Ask.com Officially Closes After 25 Years of Search Services
Original: Ask.com has closed
Why This Matters
Marks the end of a major legacy search engine in an increasingly competitive market
IAC has discontinued Ask.com's search business after 25 years of operation, with the service officially closing on May 1, 2026. The company cited strategic focus as the reason for shutting down the search engine.
Ask.com, the search engine that operated for 25 years, has officially closed its doors on May 1, 2026, according to an announcement from parent company IAC. The closure is part of IAC's strategy to sharpen its business focus, leading to the discontinuation of the entire search business. In a farewell message, the company thanked its engineering and design teams who built and maintained the platform over the decades, as well as millions of users who relied on Ask.com for answers. The message referenced the service's original mascot 'Jeeves' and expressed gratitude for users' curiosity, loyalty, and trust throughout the platform's quarter-century run.