OpenAI Researcher Resigns, Warns ChatGPT Develops Invasive User Profiles and Should Avoid Advertising

Zoe Hitzig, a former OpenAI researcher, has raised significant concerns after leaving the company, warning against the introduction of advertising in ChatGPT. She highlights that the chatbot has amassed a deeply personal archive of user data, with individuals sharing intimate details about their health, relationships, and beliefs, often under the impression of speaking to a neutral confidant. Hitzig argues that infusing advertising into this landscape could manipulate users, threatening their privacy. OpenAI plans to test ads but insists that user conversations will remain private. However, Hitzig fears that the company’s revenue model may shift priorities, leading to engagement-focused strategies that compromise user trust. She advocates for stronger regulatory safeguards and independent oversight to prioritize public interest over profit. Despite growing concerns, surveys suggest many users may accept ads if it means continued access to free AI tools, indicating a troubling trend of privacy fatigue. This situation signals a critical juncture for OpenAI and user trust.

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