Ask.com, the former Ask Jeeves, shuts down after 30 years

IAC announced that it will discontinue its search business, including the long‑running Ask.com search engine, effectively ending the service for users and partners. The decision was made on an undisclosed date and was described as part of a broader strategy to sharpen the company's focus on other ventures. No specific shutdown timeline was provided.

Ask.com, originally launched as Ask Jeeves in 1996, was one of the earliest question‑answer search engines on the web. Over its nearly 30‑year history it helped shape early search technology and user expectations. Its closure marks the end of a significant chapter in the evolution of web search.

The shutdown is expected to affect legacy search traffic and user behavior, as well as third‑party integrations that relied on Ask.com’s search APIs. Developers and advertisers who had built services around the platform will need to migrate to alternative solutions, potentially disrupting existing workflows.

IAC emphasized that the move reflects a shift away from legacy search technologies toward newer digital priorities. The company did not announce any new features or updates in the announcement, and it remains unclear when the service will be fully retired.

While the announcement did not include user‑facing guidance, industry observers note that the closure underscores the consolidation of search services under a handful of dominant providers. The decision also highlights the challenges smaller search engines face in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.