OpenAI Disables Ad-Like App Suggestions

OpenAI Addresses Advertising Concerns in ChatGPT

Despite statements from OpenAI maintaining that no advertisements are currently running within ChatGPT, nor are any tests underway, the company’s head of research, Mark Chen, has conceded that a recent rollout of promotional content did not meet user expectations.

Chen, alongside other OpenAI leaders, responded to feedback from ChatGPT Plus subscribers who reported encountering promotional messages originating from brands such as Peloton and Target.

The company clarified that these instances were limited to testing methods for showcasing applications developed on the ChatGPT app platform, unveiled in October.

OpenAI emphasized that these suggestions involved no financial transactions. However, this explanation was met with skepticism from some users, one of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the response.

Clarification from ChatGPT Leadership

Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT, further addressed the circulating rumors regarding advertisements on Friday.

Turley stated definitively that there are no active tests for advertisements and that any screenshots depicting such features are either fabricated or misconstrued.

He assured users that any future exploration of advertising within ChatGPT would be approached with careful consideration, prioritizing the trust users place in the platform.

Acknowledging Shortcomings and Future Improvements

Chen subsequently offered a more apologetic response, acknowledging that the situation extended beyond mere user misunderstanding.

“I agree that any content resembling an advertisement requires careful handling, and we did not meet that standard,” Chen wrote.

He confirmed that the feature responsible for these suggestions has been temporarily disabled while improvements are made to the model’s accuracy.

OpenAI is also exploring enhanced user controls, allowing individuals to adjust or disable these suggestions entirely.

Shift in Priorities at OpenAI

Earlier in the year, Fidji Sumo, formerly of Instacart and Facebook, joined OpenAI as CEO of Applications, with expectations of developing the company’s advertising capabilities.

However, recent reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate a shift in focus, with CEO Sam Altman issuing a “code red” directive.

This directive prioritizes enhancing the quality of ChatGPT and delaying the development of other products, including advertising initiatives.

Key takeaway: OpenAI is responding to user concerns about promotional content and is re-evaluating its approach to potential advertising within ChatGPT.