ask.comThe search engine and question-and-answer service formerly known as Ask Jeeves has closed.
Ask Jeeves was first launched in 1996 and, by focusing on answering conversational questions posed in natural language, was arguably a precursor to today’s AI-powered chatbots. However, for most of its 30-year history, it has been overshadowed by other search products, especially Google.
IAC Holding Company acquired Ask Jeeves in 2005, he quickly dropped “Jeeves” from the name, and by 2010 there were narrowed down your search product to refocus on the questions and answers. That same year, IAC president Barry Diller said at TechCrunch Disrupt that ask.com was not competitive with Google and was not valued in IAC shares.
A message in ask.com The website currently says: “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.”
Nevertheless, the website insists, “the spirit of Jeeves endures.”
