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OpenAI says ChatGPT handles around 20% as many search queries as Google (the-tech.kz). For users in Kazakhstan, the practical difference is how they search: ChatGPT helps make sense of information and compare it, while Google helps find specific pages. OpenAI’s figure, however, does not represent market share.
What happened
Adam Fry, who leads ChatGPT’s consumer business, discussed the comparison in an interview with Big Technology. OpenAI counts only messages that prompt ChatGPT to search the web for up-to-date information. These include requests for the latest news or information about a company.
The company did not disclose its detailed methodology or the Google data it used for the comparison. The 20% figure therefore remains OpenAI’s estimate. It cannot tell us what proportion of users have switched from one service to the other.
How to find information on Kazakhstan
When searching for Kazakhstani startups, it helps to specify the period and the information you need from the outset. For example: “Find Kazakhstani startups that raised investment in 2026. Include the amounts and the names of the investors.” This sets the scope of the search and the format of the response.
When comparing universities in Kazakhstan, you can specify IT programmes, tuition fees and admission requirements. If you need more information, ChatGPT lets you continue the conversation: refine your criteria or ask for a closer look at a particular option. It retains the context of earlier messages.
To check a company, you can ask for the latest news based on its official website and media coverage. Ask for links to support important facts and for unverified information to be flagged separately. This helps identify what still needs checking.
When to use Google and when to use ChatGPT
Google is useful when you need a specific website, document or independent source. ChatGPT is handy for getting an introduction to a topic, finding explanations and comparing several options. You still need to check its answers against primary sources: AI can make mistakes or misinterpret material.
Google itself is also developing AI-powered answers and ways to ask follow-up questions in search. The choice increasingly depends on the task: finding a page, understanding a topic or clarifying an answer you already have.
What companies and media outlets in Kazakhstan should consider
For websites and media outlets, the challenge of being visible is changing. Alongside traditional search engine optimisation, it is important to consider how content appears in AI answers. Related topics include Google and ChatGPT search results and business recommendations in ChatGPT.
For your next search, you can specify the country, period, comparison criteria and preferred sources from the start. Then open the links supporting key claims. The answer can then serve as a starting point for a decision, while checking it helps separate verified information from errors.
