Network data reveals ChatGPT is now sourcing more results from Bing, reducing reliance on Google. The timing follows Google’s legal action against SerpApi and signals OpenAI’s push for greater independence in search.
OpenAI appears to be moving ChatGPT’s web search capabilities away from Google and toward Bing, according to recent network traffic analysis. In late June, some users began noticing a new result_source value labeled "bing" in ChatGPT’s data streams, indicating a shift in how the AI assistant retrieves online information.
This transition comes as Google intensifies its crackdown on scraping and third-party data access. In December, Google filed a lawsuit against SerpApi, a service known for providing Google search results to external platforms. The legal action has raised the stakes for companies relying on Google’s data, prompting OpenAI to accelerate efforts to build its own search index and reduce dependency on Google’s ecosystem.
Industry observers note that OpenAI’s timing is strategic. By leveraging Bing and developing its own cache, OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT to operate more independently, especially as Google tightens restrictions. The change has been confirmed by multiple sources, including digital strategist Lily Ray, who highlighted the new Bing-based result sourcing in ChatGPT’s network logs.
This development reflects a broader trend of AI platforms seeking alternative data sources and greater control over their search infrastructure. As competition intensifies, platforms are reevaluating their partnerships and technical dependencies. For context, a recent analysis of the chatbot ad market highlights the financial pressures facing OpenAI, as detailed in this report on ChatGPT’s ad revenue projections.
OpenAI, founded in 2015, has rapidly expanded its product offerings and user base. As of 2026, the company’s flagship product, ChatGPT, serves millions of users worldwide and has become a central player in the AI-powered content and search landscape. OpenAI’s ongoing investments in proprietary indexing and partnerships with search providers like Bing reflect its ambition to secure a more resilient and scalable foundation for future growth.
