Overview
Glean provides the ability to use web search in world knowledge mode to access real-time web information alongside company data. This feature is available in Glean Assistant, Apps, and advanced prompts (beta).
Web Search in Assistant
When in world knowledge mode, Glean triggers web search or leverages LLM data based on the user query. Users will also see a “globe” button in the chat box which enables the user to use web search for every message. Thus, the user is able to determine when a web search should be used for their request.
Examples of Requests that Would Trigger a Web Search
What was Glean’s most recent funding round?
What is the latest AI news?
What are the 2025 trends for the financial services sector?
Provide an overview of the most recent earnings report.
Web Search in Advanced Prompts
In the advanced prompts beta, there will be a web search action. This will enable you to create advanced prompts that can combine internal company knowledge with real-time web searches.
Web Search in Glean Apps
In Glean Apps, when in world knowledge mode, users will see a check box for web search. If enabled, a real-time web search will be performed based on the App instructions.
How to Enable Web Search
To enable web search, Admins need to turn on two controls:
Under Admin console > Platform > Assistant > Settings, turn on the admin control for enabling web search. This will enable the web search functionality in world knowledge mode and in advanced prompts if you are participating in the advanced prompts beta. Admins should review the documentation about web search provided in the admin control console prior to opting into this feature.
By default, web search will use Glean’s API key for the web search provider. You will also have the option to supply your own API key for the web search provider.