Ask.com, the search engine formerly known as Ask Jeeves, closes after 25 years

Sun, 03 May 2026 05:20:00 +0200

Ask.com, the search engine and Q&A platform originally known as Ask Jeeves, has officially shut down as of May 1, 2026. Launched in 1996, Ask Jeeves aimed to provide answers to user questions in natural language, positioning itself as an early precursor to modern AI chatbots. Despite its innovative approach, it struggled to compete with dominant search engines, particularly Google. IAC acquired the company in 2005 and dropped the 'Jeeves' branding, shifting the focus toward question-and-answer services rather than full web search. In 2010, IAC Chairman Barry Diller publicly stated that Ask.com was not competitive in the search market and had little impact on IAC's stock valuation. The website now carries a message acknowledging the closure, while noting that 'Jeeves’ spirit endures.' Ask.com’s closure marks the end of a 25-year chapter in internet history, reflecting both the rapid evolution of search technologies and the challenges faced by early innovators attempting to adapt in a co