ChatGPT Enters the Ad Era: What OpenAI’s New Test Means for Users

OpenAI has begun testing ads inside ChatGPT, marking a major shift in how the popular AI chatbot is funded. The ads will appear only for users on the free and newly launched “Go” tiers, while paid higher tiers remain unaffected. OpenAI says the ads will be clearly labeled, visually separated from chatbot responses, and will not influence how ChatGPT answers questions.

Key Points

• OpenAI started rolling out test ads in ChatGPT on Monday afternoon.
• Ads will affect users on the free tier and the $8-per-month Go tier.
• The company says ads will be clearly marked and visually separated from chatbot responses.
• Ads will be optimized based on conversation topics, prior chats, and past ad interactions.
• OpenAI says ads will not influence ChatGPT’s answers.
• Users will be able to opt out of personalized ads based on their interests.
• OpenAI says conversations will remain private from advertisers.
• Ads will not be shown to users under 18.
• OpenAI says it will build protections against scams and misleading ads.
• The Go tier, introduced in January, offers more features than the free tier.
• Google is also exploring ads in AI products, though Gemini currently has no confirmed plans to include them.

Key Quotes

• OpenAI said ads will be “clearly marked” and “visually separated” from chatbot answers.
• The company stated ads will be “optimized based on what’s most helpful to you.”
• OpenAI emphasized that ads “would not influence the chatbot’s replies.”
• Sam Altman said OpenAI would “not accept money to influence the answer” ChatGPT gives.
• Altman added, “We keep your conversations private from advertisers.”
• OpenAI said it would “build protections to reduce the risk of scams and other harmful or misleading ads.”

Implications
This move signals OpenAI’s push toward advertising as a revenue stream while trying to maintain user trust. By limiting ads to lower-tier users and stressing privacy and transparency, OpenAI appears to be balancing monetization with credibility. The test could also set expectations for how ads might work across future AI assistants, especially as competitors like Google explore similar models.

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/openai-starts-testing-ads-chatgpt-rcna258242