by OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT and backed by Microsoft, has announced that its AI chatbot can now browse the internet to provide users with up-to-date information. This marks a significant enhancement from its previous limitation of being trained only on data available up to September 2021.
New Capabilities: With this update, premium users can now ask ChatGPT about current events and access the latest news. OpenAI has stated that this feature will soon be available to all users. Additionally, ChatGPT will soon be able to engage in voice conversations, expanding its interaction capabilities.
Implications for Users: The ability to access real-time data is expected to transform how people search for information online. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a professor of business psychology at University College London, believes this functionality will absorb many inquiries that would otherwise go to search engines or news outlets. He notes that while this provides quick answers, the lack of clear sourcing could lead to potential misinformation.
Challenges and Risks: Despite the benefits, the move to enable real-time browsing raises concerns about accuracy and reliability. The chatbot’s responses, if not properly sourced, might be misleading. This risk has already drawn the attention of US regulators. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requested information from OpenAI on how it mitigates the risks of ChatGPT spreading false information. OpenAI has expressed its commitment to cooperating with the FTC.
Reasons for the Delay: Several factors contributed to the delay in enabling real-time browsing for ChatGPT. These include the high computing costs of processing queries and the safety net provided by the limited data, which prevented the chatbot from regurgitating harmful or false information. Allowing access to real-time data introduces new challenges, such as the risk of the chatbot spreading misinformation or encountering copyrighted material without permission.
Balancing Act: The introduction of real-time browsing capabilities underscores a significant dilemma for the AI sector. While loosening restrictions can make AI more useful, it also increases the potential for misuse and the dissemination of harmful content. OpenAI’s efforts to enhance ChatGPT’s functionality reflect the ongoing challenge of balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.
