OpenAI stopped showing automatic app suggestions in ChatGPT after users mistook them for advertisements. The company said the feature fell short of expectations, turned it off while improving precision, and is exploring user controls to prevent similar confusion in the future. Read more →

OpenAI reiterated that no advertisements are currently live in its ChatGPT product, after users complained about promotional messages that resembled ads for brands such as Peloton and Target. The company explained that it was only testing how to showcase third‑party apps built on its platform, without any financial component. Executives, including chief research officer Mark Chen and head of product Nick Turley, acknowledged the confusion, apologized for the missteps, and said the suggestion feature has been turned off while precision improvements are made. The episode coincided with reports that a memo from CEO Sam Altman labeled the situation a “code red,” shifting focus back to core product quality and pausing other initiatives, including advertising plans tied to new leadership under former Instacart executive Fidji Sumo. Read more →

OpenAI quietly began testing app suggestions that resemble advertisements within ChatGPT for users paying the $200 per month Pro tier. The suggestions, such as a fitness‑class recommendation from Peloton, appeared unrelated to the conversation and triggered immediate negative reactions on social media and Reddit. Users expressed frustration, with some threatening to cancel their subscriptions. The rollout follows earlier leaks that hinted at an ad feature in the Android app, but the current implementation has raised concerns about the experience for paying customers. Read more →