Generative AI & LLMs
Knowledge cutoff
The approximate date beyond which an AI's original learning may not include newer information.
Example
An AI system misses a company announcement made after its training period.
Why people use it
It explains why AI may be missing information about recent events.
What you'll hear
“That happened after its knowledge cutoff.”
What this means for you
Ask for current sources when the answer depends on recent events.
Can you control it?
No
No direct control. This describes a wider issue, concept or result rather than something you can simply switch on or off in a tool.
Common questions
- Can an AI system answer newer questions through search?
- Yes, if it has suitable finding information tools; that differs from training knowledge.
- Does it know everything published before that date?
- No. Earlier information may be missing, poorly learned or remembered incorrectly.
- Is the cutoff the same as the release date?
- No. A product can be released after the period covered by its training information.