Search and fetch when the answer needs primary sources. Pick WebSearch from the sidebar; the model decides per question whether to look, and every search shows on the reply.
WebSearch is the interceptor for questions that need fresh sources. Pick it from the sidebar and the deep-thinking layer gains two tools: web_search for finding candidate sources and fetch_url for reading them in full. The model decides when to use them.
Selecting it does not mean browsing on every turn: the model searches only when a question calls for current information or a primary source, and every search and fetch shows as a badge on the reply. Switch to Reasoning, Brainstorm or Empathy when you want a chat that never leaves the model.
web_search returns title + URL + snippet for a query. fetch_url returns the main text of a specific page. The model typically searches first, then fetches the best result.
A single message can include multiple searches and fetches. The model loops through tool calls until it has what it needs, then writes the final answer with the URLs it used.
Every search and fetch shows up as a badge in your message bubble ("Searched: X", "Fetched Y"). You can tell at a glance whether the answer came from the web or just the model.
While WebSearch is selected the tools are available on every reply, and the model decides whether a given question needs them. Switch it off when you want chats fully offline.
When WebSearch is active, your search queries are sent to a third-party search provider (currently Brave Search). They process the query to return results and do not retain it for training. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Yes, when it actually uses the tools. Each search and fetch adds a round trip. A typical WebSearch-assisted answer takes a few extra seconds compared to a non-WebSearch answer.
Almost. We block private, loopback, and link-local IP ranges at the network level so the model can't poke at internal services. Public URLs work; size and time limits apply.
No. Results are fed to the model for the turn and discarded. Your message and the final assistant reply are kept only if you save the conversation (encrypted at rest, same as everything else).