ChatGPT can now access real-time information

SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT users will now have the capability to access current information through real-time internet browsing.

According to BBC, ChatGPT earlier had been trained using data only up to September 2021, rendering it unable to provide users with information on recent events. The limitation had been a drawback for many potential users.

With the latest update, premium users will be able to ask ChatGPT questions about current affairs and access up-to-the-minute news. OpenAI has also confirmed plans to roll out this feature to all users in the near future.

According to media reports, the development follows an earlier announcement this week in which OpenAI revealed that ChatGPT will soon support voice conversations with users, further expanding its capabilities.

ChatGPT, like similar AI systems, relies on extensive datasets to generate human-like responses to user queries. These AI systems are poised to revolutionise how people seek information online.

Meanwhile, professor of business psychology at University College London Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic highlighted the significance of the update by stating: “Now, you can treat this as a source of the latest news, gossip, and current events”.

However, Chamorro-Premuzic cautioned that using the platform for information retrieval might have its pitfalls. He expressed concerns about the accuracy and reliability of information provided through ChatGPT if it does not clearly indicate its sources.

OpenAI has previously faced scrutiny from US regulators over the risk of ChatGPT generating false information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sought information on how OpenAI addresses the potential harm to people’s reputations. OpenAI’s CEO committed to cooperating with the FTC in addressing these concerns.

As per the media reports, the decision to enable ChatGPT to browse the internet in real time was not taken lightly. Several factors played a role, including the computing costs associated with real-time data access and the potential introduction of inaccuracies. Privacy and ethical concerns regarding access to real-time information, particularly copyrighted content without permission, also factored into the decision.