ChatGPT is no more constrained by 2021 knowledge cutoff; OpenAI lets it browse the web for current information

OpenAI announced on Wednesday that ChatGPT would be able to browse the internet in order to give users “current and authoritative information” and links to sources, effectively ending the knowledge cutoff which restricted the chatbot to information dated prior to September 2021. ChatGPT’s Bing-powered browsing feature was introduced earlier this year to paid users but was taken down due to paywall jumping concerns, Reuters reported. “Browsing is particularly useful for tasks that would require up-to-date information, such as helping you with technical research, trying to choose a bike, or planning a vacation,” said OpenAI in its X post. ChatGPT’s knowledge cutoff of September 2021 meant that it was unaware of many key world events which took place in 2022 and 2023, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or Rishi Sunak becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.