OpenAI Pauses Promotional Push Amid ChatGPT ‘Ad-Like’ Backlash

Paying ChatGPT subscribers reported seeing promotional messages last week. The prompts suggested shopping at Target or using Peloton apps. This sparked immediate anger and accusations of ads in the paid service.OpenAI executives quickly responded to the user complaints. They insisted these were not advertisements in a traditional sense. The company said it was testing suggestions for apps built on its platform.

OpenAI Executives Give Conflicting Explanations for Prompts

User screenshots showed clear promotional language. One user asking about Windows security was shown a prompt for Target. Another saw a suggestion for Peloton’s workout app.According to TechCrunch, OpenAI’s initial stance was firm. ChatGPT head Nick Turley stated there were “no live tests for ads.” He claimed any screenshots were “either not real or not ads.”Yet Chief Research Officer Mark Chen offered a more contrite message. Chen acknowledged the company “fell short” with the promotional suggestions. He said they have been turned off while the model’s precision is improved.

Internal “Code Red” Highlights Tension Over Monetization

The controversy touches a nerve for subscribers. Many pay for an ad-free, premium AI experience. Introducing any commercial element risks breaking that hard-earned user trust.This comes amid reported internal strife at OpenAI. The Wall Street Journal reports CEO Sam Altman recently declared a “code red.” This memo reportedly prioritizes improving ChatGPT’s core quality over new products like advertising.The hiring of former Instacart executive Fidji Simo earlier this year signaled ad ambitions. The current pause suggests a strategic recalibration. The company must balance monetization with maintaining its trusted user relationship.

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The situation remains tense for OpenAI. The company must now navigate user expectations carefully. Any future move toward ChatGPT ads will be scrutinized intensely.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Are there official ads in ChatGPT right now?

OpenAI executives state there are no live advertisements in ChatGPT. The promotional messages seen by users were part of a test for suggesting third-party apps. That test has now been paused.

Q2: Why did paying users see these promotional messages?

The messages were generated as suggestions for apps built on OpenAI’s platform. The company says there was “no financial component” to these prompts. However, users perceived them as unwanted advertisements.

Q3: How has OpenAI responded to the backlash?

Research head Mark Chen apologized, saying the company “fell short.” The test has been turned off. The company is also exploring user controls to dial down such suggestions.

Q4: Does OpenAI plan to introduce ads in the future?

Executives have not ruled it out but promise a “thoughtful approach.” A reported internal “code red” memo, however, has pushed advertising projects down the priority list in favor of core quality improvements.

Q5: What was the “code red” memo about?

According to the Wall Street Journal, CEO Sam Altman’s memo made improving ChatGPT’s core quality the top priority. This shifted focus away from developing new monetization products, including advertising