ChatGPT Search site:operator use jumped to 16-17% in Promptwatch tracking

ChatGPT search queries using the site: operator jumped from under 0.5% to 16-17% of all search fanouts following the GPT-5.6 rollout, according to Promptwatch tracking data cited by Simon Willison. The shift throttles sources like Reddit and breaks traditional open-web discovery strategies, forcing teams to adapt their generative engine optimization toward domain-restricted search authority.

Simon Willison https://simonwillison.net/2026/Aug/20/chatgpt-search-now-uses-the-siteoperator-at-scale/ ChatGPT Search site:operator use jumped to 16-17% in Promptwatch tracking Which summary reads better? Pick one — models revealed after.Both summaries are AI-generated. ChatGPT search queries using domain-specific filtering jumped from under 0.5% to 16-17% of all search fanouts following the GPT-5.6 rollout, while simultaneously throttling sources like Reddit. This aggressive shift toward targeted domain-restricted search breaks traditional open-web and forum-seeding discovery strategies for production LLM integrations. To maintain visibility in user-facing LLM searches, teams must pivot their generative engine optimization from broad web-indexing tactics to securing authority within these highly concentrated domain filters. Mistral Large quota or rate limit — check usage and plan. Original headline: ChatGPT search now uses the site:operator at scale