OpenAI plans to introduce advertising on ChatGPT in the U.S., targeting the free version and low-cost Go subscription, while keeping Pro, Business, and Enterprise users ad-free. Advertisements will be distinctly separated from chatbot responses, without influencing output, and user conversations will not be sold. Users can opt out of personalized ads, and ads won’t be shown to those under 18 or on sensitive topics like health and politics. However, concerns have emerged about the effectiveness of these safeguards, as similar platforms experienced privacy erosion due to targeted advertising. OpenAI faces significant operating losses, estimated at $115 billion over five years, making advertising a crucial revenue model. Critics caution that ad-driven systems prioritize engagement, possibly promoting misleading content. Some advocate for alternatives like publicly funded AI systems that operate without ads, emphasizing compliance with regulations and user privacy. Observers worry that personalized ads could blur the line between advice and persuasion, impacting user disinformation.
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