Ask.com, the search engine formerly known as Ask Jeeves, has officially shut down after nearly 30 years of service. Owner InterActiveCorp (IAC) confirmed that the search business was discontinued, with Ask.com closing on 1 May 2026.
Launched in 1996, Ask Jeeves predated Google by two years, offering users a novel way to search using natural language questions directed at the butler character Jeeves. Despite its early popularity, the search engine struggled to compete with rivals and phased out the iconic mascot in 2006, rebranding as Ask.com.
IAC, which has owned the site since 2005, issued a statement saying: 'Every great search must come to an end. As IAC continues to sharpen its focus, we have made the decision to discontinue our search business, which includes Ask.com.'
The company added: 'We are deeply grateful to the brilliant engineers, designers, and teams who built and supported Ask over the decades. And to you—the millions of users who turned to us for answers in a rapidly changing world—thank you for your endless curiosity, your loyalty, and your trust.'
Ask Jeeves was created by Garrett Gruener and David Warthen in Berkeley, California, in 1996, and launched to the public in 1997. The Jeeves character was inspired by P.G. Wodehouse's stories from Carry On, Jeeves, featuring the valet of Bertie Wooster.
