Short answer
An AI answer can draw on what the model learned during training and on pages retrieved live from search. Live retrieval updates within days of a page being indexed; model knowledge changes only when a new model is trained. Search crawlers (OAI-SearchBot, Googlebot) control retrieval; training crawlers (GPTBot, Google-Extended) are a separate choice.
Controls
| Route | Main control | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Retrieval | Allow search crawlers, be indexed, answer the question | Fast |
| Training | Allow or block training crawlers; be widely described | Slow |
Strategy
- Short term: pages built for retrieval
- Long term: consistent descriptions across many independent sources
Questions
If we block GPTBot, will ChatGPT forget us?
Blocking GPTBot stops future training use of your content; it doesn't remove you from ChatGPT search, which uses OAI-SearchBot.
Facts checked against the sources below on 12 October 2026. Platforms change quickly: if something here no longer matches what you see, tell us and we will update it.
