OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently stated that he no longer uses Google for web search and prefers ChatGPT. However, during a US Senate hearing, he acknowledged that AI tools like ChatGPT are unlikely to replace Google as the primary search engine. Despite the shift in user behavior and the emergence of AI-powered search tools, Altman emphasized that traditional search engines still have a strong foothold.
At the US Congress hearing, Senator Ted Cruz — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation — directly asked Altman: “Will ChatGPT replace Google as the primary search engine, and if so, when?” This question came in the context of a recent report highlighting a drop in Google’s search traffic from Safari browsers.
Altman’s answer was brief and clear: “Probably not.” He noted that while ChatGPT might be a more convenient tool in specific situations — such as for idea generation or quick references — it is not positioned to replace Google as a universal search engine. Google, he said, remains a “fierce competitor,” backed by a strong AI team, powerful infrastructure, and a well-established business model that already includes AI technologies.
AI Tools Expand Access and Reshape Search Behavior
Following Altman’s remarks, OpenAI expanded access to the ChatGPT search feature. Previously available only to users with a $20/month subscription, the tool is now completely free and does not even require registration. This change significantly broadens its user base and highlights OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to democratize AI-powered tools, notes NIXsolutions. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.
According to experts, ChatGPT’s search function and its temporary prototype, SearchGPT, are already influencing how people interact with online content. Altman referred to this evolution as a “predictive system,” distinguishing it from conventional search engines and offering users a different way of accessing information.
Meanwhile, Richard Socher, CEO of the search platform You.com, also commented on the potential shift in search engine dynamics. He believes Google’s long-standing dominance could be at risk due to the increasing interest in intelligent, conversational tools like ChatGPT and You.com. These platforms, he argues, are leading a transformation in the way users explore the internet.