OpenAI is starting to test ads within ChatGPT for some users in the United States. The goal is to see how ads can provide a new revenue stream without disrupting the user experience. The ads will be shown only to free users and those subscribed to the new ChatGPT Go plan, which costs $8 per month. Subscribers to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, or Enterprise plans will not see these ads.

How the Ads Will Appear in ChatGPT

The ads will be clearly labeled so users can easily distinguish them from regular responses. They will be placed in a separate section of the chat window, ensuring they don’t interfere with the main conversation. The ads will only show up if there’s a relevant sponsored product or service that matches the context of the chat.

Application manager Fidji Simo explained that the purpose of adding ads is to create a more diverse way for OpenAI to generate revenue. She emphasized that the company wants to do this without undermining trust or privacy. Users can expect a transparent experience where ads don’t blend into the natural flow of chatting.

Privacy and Content Safety Measures

OpenAI has assured users that conversations won’t be shared with advertisers. The company also plans to avoid showing ads on sensitive topics like mental health, politics, or for minors. This is aimed at maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all users, especially younger audiences.

Fidji Simo mentioned that the company is committed to protecting user privacy while exploring new ways to support the platform financially. The testing phase will help OpenAI understand how users respond to ads and whether they feel comfortable with this new feature.

Overall, the move to test ads in ChatGPT reflects OpenAI’s efforts to balance innovation with user trust. The company will gather feedback during this phase to decide on future steps and potential wider rollout. Users can expect to see clear labels and non-intrusive placements as part of this experiment.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4118664/open-ai-begins-testing-ads-in-chat-gpt.html

Sources

• openai.com