Popular 1990s internet search giant shuts down

Ask.com, one of the internet’s earliest search engine competitors, has shut down its search business after nearly 30 years, marking the latest contraction in a market dominated by a handful of major players.

Parent company IAC said the move reflects a broader strategic shift away from legacy search operations.

"As IAC continues to sharpen its focus, we have made the decision to discontinue our search business, which includes Ask.com," the company said in a notice posted on its website.