Meta wants to create its own search engine to get rid of Google and Microsoft

Rumors indicate that the Metaa company founded by Mark Zuckerberg, is developing your own search engine based on artificial intelligence (IA), in a clear attempt to reduce its dependence on the services of the Google and from Microsoft.

This news, revealed by the website The Informationsuggests a significant change in the company’s strategy, which seeks to expand its influence beyond social networks. In case you didn’t know, Meta owns the main communication and social media platforms, namely Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Supposed Meta seeker

The project, not yet officially confirmed by Meta, promises to bring a different approach to online searches. Unlike traditional search engines, which have adapted Generative AI to its existing systems, Meta’s search engine would be built from the ground up with AI as its fundamental foundation. This approach could result in more advanced and modern functionality, potentially surpassing current offerings from Google and Bing.

The motivation behind this ambitious project seems clear. Currently, Meta AI, the company’s artificial intelligence system, relies on Google and Bing services to provide users with answers, especially on current topics.

While this strategy has helped reduce the costs associated with generative AI, it also creates a vulnerability. If Google or Microsoft decide to restrict access to their AI services to external applications, Meta could face serious challenges in the quality of its offerings to users.

The new search engine would have as its main objective to provide conversational answers about current events in Meta’s chatbots for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. This functionality would perfectly complement the company’s recent deal with Reuters, which allows Meta to use news from the agency to train its AI algorithms.

OpenAI also works on its own search engine

Although there is no scheduled date for the launch of this search engine, the news is already generating buzz in the technology sector. Meta is not the only company exploring this area; OpenAI, for example, announced the development of SearchGPT in July, although the project is still in its early stages.

This Meta initiative represents more than just a new search tool. It’s a strategic move that could redefine the balance of power in the digital world. By developing its own search engine, Meta reduces its dependence on third parties and positions itself to compete directly with giants like Google and Microsoft in one of the most crucial sectors of the internet.

The success of this project could significantly transform the way users interact with Meta’s platforms. Imagine being able to ask complex questions and receive contextualized and updated answers directly on WhatsApp or Facebook, without having to leave the app to look for information elsewhere.

However, this endeavor also brings significant challenges. Developing a search engine capable of competing with established giants requires huge investments in technology and infrastructure. Additionally, Meta will have to carefully navigate the privacy and ethics issues that will inevitably arise with the extensive use of AI in personal searches.

Source: The Information