OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, is introducing ads in its flagship chatbot, ChatGPT, despite earlier claims this would be a last resort. This shift comes amid significant financial losses, alarming some insiders. Notably, researcher Zoë Hitzig resigned, expressing concern that advertising could exploit user data on sensitive topics, which might lead to manipulative practices. While she acknowledges the revenue necessity from ads, she fears future iterations may lack transparency. Hitzig’s departure highlights a trend of exits from OpenAI, including those of economists and engineers who voiced worries about AI’s economic impact and corporate stability. Competitor Anthropic subtly criticized OpenAI’s plans through ads promoting its ad-free chatbot, prompting Altman’s backlash. This wave of resignations across AI firms raises concerns about the ethical implications of AI development and the necessity for responsible structures to protect users. As these companies grapple with business models, talent attrition could hinder progress.
Source link
