Ask.com Search Engine Shuts Down After 30 Years
Formerly Ask Jeeves, the question-and-answer service that pioneered conversational search closes May 1, 2026
Quick Look
- Ask.com, the search engine formerly known as Ask Jeeves, has officially shut down.
- The service, which launched in 1996 as one of the first to focus on answering conversational questions in natural language, closed on May 1, 2026.
- IAC acquired Ask Jeeves in 2005 and dropped the "Jeeves" name, eventually refocusing on Q&A rather than search.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ask Jeeves was launched in 1996 and was one of the first search engines to focus on answering conversational questions in natural language, making it an early precursor to today's AI-powered chatbots. Despite its innovative approach, it was largely overshadowed by Google throughout its 30-year history.
Ask.com, the search engine and question-and-answer service formerly known as Ask Jeeves, has shut down. Ask Jeeves first launched in 1996 and, with its focus on answering conversational questions posed in natural language, was arguably a precursor to today's AI-powered chatbots. For most of its 30-year history, however, it's been overshadowed by other search products, especially Google. Holding company IAC acquired Ask Jeeves in 2005, quickly dropped "Jeeves" from the name, and by 2010 had scaled back its search product to refocus on Q&A. That same year, IAC Chairman Barry Diller said at TechCrunch Disrupt that Ask.com was not competitive with Google and was not valued in IAC's stock. A message on the Ask.com website currently reads, "As IAC continues to sharpen its focus, we have made the decision to discontinue our search business, which includes Ask.com. After 25 years of answering the world's questions, Ask.com officially closed on May 1, 2026." Nonetheless, the website insists, "Jeeves' spirit endures."
Open Questions
- What will happen to the existing Q&A content and archives?
- Will IAC launch any successor product?
- How many employees were affected by the closure?
