Tags: digital ads

OpenAI has begun testing advertisements for logged‑in ChatGPT users in the United States who are on the Free or Go tiers. The company says ads will not affect answer quality and that user conversations remain private from advertisers. However, many users have expressed dissatisfaction, citing concerns about the intrusion of ads, the handling of sensitive topics, and the fact that Go subscribers still see ads despite paying $8 a month. The move reflects OpenAI’s search for new revenue streams as it struggles to turn a profit, but it has already drawn sharp criticism on platforms like Reddit. Read more

OpenAI has started testing advertisements within the ChatGPT interface for users on its free and Go plans. The ads appear at the bottom of chat windows, are clearly labeled, and can be personalized or disabled by users. Content related to regulated or sensitive topics, as well as users under 18, will not trigger ads. OpenAI assures that it will not share or sell conversation data to advertisers. Industry observers note that ads are expected to remain a modest share of overall revenue, and Anthropic has responded with its own Super Bowl ad mocking the move. Read more

Meta CEO Adam Mosseri recently posted a video responding to user worries that Instagram is "spying" on them to deliver ads. In the clip, Mosseri explains that the platform does not monitor private conversations. Instead, ad relevance is driven by a combination of recent web activity, data shared by advertisers, friends' interests, prior exposure to the same ads, and occasional coincidences. The message aims to clarify how the algorithm works and to reassure users that their private discussions are not being captured for advertising purposes. Read more