OpenAI has responded to a growing backlash from users by halting an experimental feature that led some to believe ads were appearing in ChatGPT. Despite initial claims that ads had not been introduced, the company clarified that app suggestions, which were mistakenly perceived as advertisements, had been shown to users. OpenAI quickly addressed the confusion, stating that it would disable this feature while improvements are made.
Confusion Over Ads in ChatGPT
Recently, several users took to social media to share screenshots of ChatGPT suggesting apps and websites in response to their queries. Some users were particularly confused when they saw suggestions like “Shop at Target” while asking about unrelated topics, such as Windows BitLocker. This led many to believe that OpenAI had started showing ads in ChatGPT.
OpenAI’s Chief Research Officer, Mark Chen, acknowledged the issue and confirmed that these app suggestions were not meant to be advertisements. He stated that the company “fell short” in managing the feature and promised improvements. Chen also assured users that the feature would be turned off for now, while the model’s precision is improved. He added that OpenAI is working on providing better controls for users, allowing them to turn off these suggestions entirely if they find them unhelpful.
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Meanwhile, Nick Turley, Vice President at OpenAI, took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that there were no live tests involving ads in ChatGPT. He dismissed any claims or screenshots suggesting otherwise, stating that they were either fake or misinterpreted. Turley emphasized that if OpenAI were to introduce ads in ChatGPT, the company would approach it thoughtfully, with respect for users’ trust in the platform.
Code Red: OpenAI Puts Ad Plans on Hold
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, recently declared a “code red” for ChatGPT, halting several planned features, including ads. The move comes as the company faces increasing competition from rivals like Google and Anthropic. OpenAI is focusing on improving ChatGPT’s quality before moving forward with these initiatives.
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