eSAFETY GUIDE
Bing logo

Bing

0+
There is no age restriction according to Bing
0+ There is no age restriction according to Bing

What is Bing?

Bing is a search engine operated by Microsoft that uses a propriety algorithm to rank and order search results in terms of their relevance to the user and their dependability as data sources. Bing’s standard web search provides a variety of search services including images, videos, maps and news. Safe search settings can be used to filter adult content from searches. The search engine features advertising.

Bing offers a chatbot search functionality using artificial intelligence (AI), powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/chatgpt-and-gpt-4], which is available in Bing’s Android and Apple iOS apps and in Microsoft’s Edge browser and Skype chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/skype]. Bing’s AI chat allows you to refine searches by asking follow-up questions in a conversational style and provides summarised answers that cite sources from across the internet. You can also customise the format of search results to receive answers in different text and visual formats, including charts and graphs. Bing also offers chat history and persistent chat, allowing you to return to previous chats across different devices. You can also use Bing as a creative tool to generate stories, text and images.

Microsoft points out the limitations of AI stating: ‘AI can make mistakes, and third party content on the internet may not always be accurate or reliable. Bing will sometimes misrepresent the information it finds, and you may see responses that sound convincing but are incomplete, inaccurate, or inappropriate.’ 

Website: bing.comExternal link[https://www.bing.com/]
Apps: Android appExternal link[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.bing&hl=en_AU], Apple iOS appExternal link[https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bing-search/id345323231?mt=8%C2%A0]

How do people use Bing?

Bing is used to search the internet and generate content, which means users could be exposed to inappropriate content.

How can you report a concern, use safe search or block adult content?

These links are provided by Bing:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Bing:

These links are provided by Bing:

Last updated: 05/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.