OpenAI briefly introduced app‑suggestion pop‑ups for its paid ChatGPT users, prompting backlash and a swift removal after Chief Research Officer Mark Chen acknowledged the misstep. Meanwhile, rumors that Google’s Gemini AI chatbot will feature advertisements were met with a firm denial from Google, which said there are no ads in Gemini and no current plans to add them. Industry analysts note that the pressure of high compute costs may eventually push AI platforms toward ad models, but Gemini remains ad‑free for now. Read more →

OpenAI has turned off promotional app messages in ChatGPT after users complained that the chatbot displayed ads for services like Peloton and Target beneath unrelated conversations. Chief research officer Mark Chen said the company is improving the experience and has disabled the suggestions. Data engineer Daniel McAuley clarified that the messages were not ads because there was no financial component, but acknowledged relevance problems. The move comes amid broader discussions about monetizing ChatGPT and user frustration over the perceived ad‑like content. 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’s head of ChatGPT, Nick Turley, clarified that the images circulating of in‑app advertisements are not genuine and that no live ad tests are underway. The company’s chief research officer, Mark Chen, added that any content resembling ads will be handled with caution, and the suggestion feature has been disabled while precision improves. OpenAI also indicated it is exploring user controls to reduce or eliminate such prompts. Executives stressed that any future advertising will be introduced thoughtfully to preserve user trust in ChatGPT. Read more →