What's happened
OpenAI has started showing ads to some US users of ChatGPT, including free and paid tiers, based on conversation data. The move follows months of planning and a public rivalry with Anthropic, which launched humorous ads criticizing OpenAI’s ad plans during the Super Bowl. The ads aim to make ChatGPT more accessible, but raise privacy and trust concerns.
What's behind the headline?
The rollout of ads in ChatGPT marks a significant shift in AI service monetization, signaling OpenAI’s move toward mainstream commercial strategies. The company’s focus on targeted advertising based on conversation data suggests a future where AI platforms resemble traditional ad-supported internet services, raising privacy concerns. The rivalry with Anthropic, which used humor and satire in its Super Bowl ads, underscores the competitive and contentious nature of AI branding. OpenAI’s earnest ad promoting its coding tools contrasts with Anthropic’s playful critique, highlighting differing approaches to public engagement. This development will likely accelerate the commercialization of AI, prompting regulatory scrutiny and user trust issues. The industry’s next steps will depend on how users and advertisers respond to these changes, potentially shaping the future landscape of AI services.
What the papers say
Business Insider UK reports that OpenAI is now showing ads to some US users, based on conversation data, following months of internal planning and public debate. The rivalry with Anthropic has intensified, with Anthropic’s Super Bowl ads mocking OpenAI’s ad plans, which drew mixed social media reactions. The New York Times notes that AI companies are spending heavily on Super Bowl ads, with nearly a quarter of the spots featuring AI themes, reflecting the sector’s aggressive marketing push. Business Insider UK also highlights that OpenAI’s ad campaign is more earnest, focusing on its coding tools, contrasting with Anthropic’s humorous approach. The articles collectively illustrate a competitive landscape where AI firms are leveraging high-profile advertising to gain market share and public attention, amid ongoing privacy and trust debates.
How we got here
OpenAI announced plans to introduce ads to ChatGPT last month, aiming to generate revenue and expand accessibility. The company has been developing AI hardware and devices, with high-profile collaborations including Jony Ive. The decision to add ads has sparked debate, especially after rival Anthropic launched humorous Super Bowl ads criticizing OpenAI’s approach. The rivalry reflects broader tensions in AI development and commercialization, with both companies vying for market dominance and public trust.
Go deeper
- What are the privacy implications of ChatGPT ads?
- How did Anthropic's Super Bowl ads impact public perception?
- Will this rivalry influence future AI advertising strategies?
More on these topics
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Samuel H. Altman is an American entrepreneur, investor, programmer, and blogger. He is the CEO of OpenAI and the former president of Y Combinator.
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OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research laboratory consisting of the for-profit corporation OpenAI LP and its parent company, the non-profit OpenAI Inc.
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Anthropic PBC is a U.S.-based artificial intelligence startup public-benefit company, founded in 2021. It researches and develops AI to "study their safety properties at the technological frontier" and use this research to deploy safe, reliable models for