ChatGPT Search Now Free for All: No Account, No Limits, Just Real-Time Web Access

OpenAI has made its ChatGPT Search feature available to all users, eliminating the requirement for them to register for an account. The feature, which was first made available to premium subscribers in November 2024 and then to free-tier users in December 2024, is now available to all users, including those who have not enrolled. This extension intends to improve accessibility by enabling a global audience to use AI-powered real-time online search.  

ChatGPT Search, driven by OpenAI's GPT-4o model, allows users to access up-to-date information on the internet. Users can activate the capability by tapping the globe icon next to the 'Attach file' button in the ChatGPT input field, which will manually initiate online search mode.  

To maintain transparency, ChatGPT Search offers source references in two formats. A clickable icon shows next to referenced content, allowing users to easily confirm sources. In addition, a list of sources is presented at the bottom of each response for more transparency.  

Unlike many online services, OpenAI does not impose rate limits on unregistered users, allowing them full access to the search feature. Users on the free tier also get limitless searches, which ensures seamless access to real-time online data.  

Despite the growing dependence on AI-driven search, questions about data security remain. According to Reuters, the Finance Ministry has urged employees not to use AI tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek for official work because to potential hazards to government document confidentiality. OpenAI's expansion aims to make AI-powered search more accessible, but data privacy remains a major worry in some sectors.

This article is based on information from "livemint.com"