Background

OpenAI has maintained that its ChatGPT service does not contain live advertisements. The company clarified that any promotional messages displayed to users were part of a test to demonstrate third‑party applications built on the ChatGPT app platform announced earlier. These tests were described as having no financial component, meaning that OpenAI was not receiving payment for the suggested apps.

User Complaints

Paid ChatGPT subscribers began reporting that they were seeing what appeared to be promotional content for well‑known brands, including Peloton and Target. Some users expressed frustration, noting that the messages interrupted their queries and resembled advertisements. The feedback highlighted a perception that the suggestions were more akin to ads than neutral app recommendations.

Company Response

OpenAI executives responded to the backlash. Chief research officer Mark Chen admitted that the company “fell short” in handling the promotional messages and that the experience needed improvement. He confirmed that OpenAI had disabled the suggestion feature while it works to enhance model precision and to develop better user controls for those who wish to limit or turn off such suggestions.

Nick Turley, head of product, addressed the broader confusion surrounding rumors of ad testing. He emphasized that there were no active ad experiments and that any screenshots circulating were either fabricated or did not represent actual advertisements. Turley also indicated that if OpenAI ever pursued advertising, it would take a thoughtful approach that respects user trust.

Leadership and Strategic Shifts

Earlier in the year, OpenAI hired former Instacart and Facebook executive Fidji Sumo as the CEO of Applications, with expectations that she would spearhead the development of an advertising business. However, a recent internal memo from CEO Sam Altman reportedly declared a “code red,” directing the organization to prioritize improving the core ChatGPT experience and to pause work on ancillary products, including advertising initiatives.

Future Plans

OpenAI indicated that it is working on more precise controls that would allow users to adjust the visibility of app suggestions or disable them entirely. The company’s stance remains that it does not have live advertising in ChatGPT and that any future monetization strategies will be approached cautiously, with a focus on maintaining user trust.

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