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Internet Search

Clove can pull current information from the internet and cite it in its answers. This lets an agent go beyond what the underlying model learned during training to reference recent developments, look up an external standard, or check a supplier's page while still showing you exactly where each fact came from.

How It Works​

Internet search is an agent capability, not a per-message switch. Some of the built-in agents provided by your organization include web search, and you can add it to your own agents in the Agent Builder.

To use it, pick an agent that has internet search from the agent dropdown near the chat input (see Agent Selection). From there, the agent decides when a search is actually needed:

  • If your question calls for current or external information, the agent searches the web and grounds its answer in what it finds.
  • If your question can be answered directly, it responds without searching.

You do not have to phrase anything specially, just ask your question. If it depends on outside information, the agent goes and gets it.

Seeing Your Sources​

When an agent uses the web, its answer is fully cited so you can verify it:

  • Inline citations — numbered markers such as [1] and [2] appear in the response text where a source was used.
  • Sources list — below the message, each citation is listed with the page title as a clickable link that opens the original page in a new tab.
  • Hover for details — hovering a citation marker shows a tooltip with the page title and the site's domain, linked to the source.

This is the same citation system Clove uses for your Collections, so a single answer can transparently combine your own documents and information from the web, with every claim traceable to where it came from.

Governed Access​

Internet access through Clove is governed by your organization. Administrators can restrict which sites agents are allowed to reach — either limiting searches to an approved list of domains or blocking specific ones. This keeps web access aligned with your organization's security and compliance requirements.

If an agent cannot reach a site you expected it to, your organization's rules may not permit it — contact your administrator. Admins can find the details in Web Search Rules.

Tips​

  • Ask naturally. You do not need to say "search the web." If your question needs outside information and the agent has internet search, it will use it.
  • Check the sources. Follow the numbered citations to the original pages when a fact matters, the links are there so you can confirm.
  • Pick the right agent. If you need current information and your answers are not citing the web, switch to an agent that has internet search enabled.