A new era for the ChatGPT platform

OpenAI has started displaying advertisements on ChatGPT to a specific group of users logging in from the U.S., particularly free users and those with the recently announced Go subscription plan. The “Go” subscription package, introduced in January, is offered nationwide for $8 per month. Users with higher-tier subscriptions such as Pro, Plus, Business, Enterprise, and Education will not encounter ads.

The newly launched advertising practice is currently being implemented in a test format. OpenAI officials state that the primary goal of the pilot process is to collect user feedback and develop a long-term advertising strategy based on the information gathered. According to the company's statement, the ads to be displayed will be clearly distinguished in the chat window in banner format and labeled as “sponsored.”

OpenAI underscores that the advertisements will in no way affect the responses provided by ChatGPT. In the statement made by the company, it is emphasized that “user chats are not shared with advertisers, and conversations are kept private.” It is noted that the ads will only be marked as sponsored content and kept separate from organic chat.

Personalization also stands out in the new ad integration. Ads can be presented based on users' chat topics, previous correspondence, and past ad interactions. For example, a user interested in recipes might see ads for online grocery services or meal kits. OpenAI underscores that only anonymous statistical data is provided to advertisers and that individual user information is strictly not shared.

Users can view their history regarding ad interactions, delete it at any time, and manage their personalization settings. In addition, options to learn why ads are being shown, to close the relevant ad, or to send feedback have also been made available.

OpenAI will closely monitor the results of the test process and evaluate plans to gradually expand ad displays to other countries or to broader user bases.