OpenAI denies the rumors about testing ads on ChatGPT, as claimed by paid users of the platform. A recent wave on social media platforms showed that paid ChatGPT users saw ads below their prompt responses, which were largely unrelated. Notably, OpenAI has been taking initiatives to make shopping easier on ChatGPT.
However, unrelated ads can frustrate users, including paid users, who spend $200 to use the premium version of the chatbot. OpenAI initially claimed it to be ‘not real’, or the suggestion feature was enabled to enhance model precision. Nevertheless, after facing intense backlash, Mark Chen, Chief Research Officer at OpenAI, announced that the suggestion feature has been disabled. OpenAI Head Nick Turley calls the decision to run ads on ChatGPT a ‘thoughtful approach’ that will be implemented with user trust in mind.
How Did Users find out about the Ads?
Speculations about ads on ChatGPT began while paid users started sharing on social media platforms. The issue took center stage after a post by an X (formerly Twitter) user, @BenjaminDEKR, surfaced on the platform. The post highlighted ads in ChatGPT via a screenshot, which clearly shows an ad-like section suggesting shopping for home and grocery items from Target, a US retail store.
The user writes, “I’m in ChatGPT (paid Plus subscription), asking about Windows BitLocker...”
Another user, @koltregaskes, shared on X, “ChatGPT has started posting ads on Pro accounts...”
How Has OpenAI Reacted to Ad Testing Claims?
OpenAI has been actively giving clarification on the testing ads claims of the ChatGPT users. Mark Chen replied to @BenjaminDEKR’s post with the statement, “I agree that anything that feels like an ad needs to be handled with care, and we fell short...”
He assured the disabling of the suggestion feature that aimed to improve precision in the AI model. Mark further states that better controls that are actually helpful to users should be included.
Apart from that, Nick Turley, Head of ChatGPT, shared in a recent X post, “I’m seeing lots of confusion about ad rumors in ChatGPT. There are no live tests for ads – any screenshots you’ve seen are either not real or not ads. If we do pursue ads, we’ll take a thoughtful approach...”
Nick additionally states that ChatGPT is a trusted platform for a vast user base. Hence, any changes to its features and approach will respect users’ trust.
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