OpenAI disables ChatGPT app suggestions that looked like ads
4 days ago
- #Advertising
- #OpenAI
- #ChatGPT
- OpenAI disabled a ChatGPT feature suggesting third-party apps after user complaints that recommendations resembled ads.
- Mark Chen, OpenAI's Chief Research Officer, admitted the company 'fell short' in handling promotional messages.
- Paying subscribers saw promotions for companies like Peloton and Target, sparking immediate backlash.
- OpenAI clarified it was testing methods to highlight ChatGPT platform apps, with 'no financial component' involved.
- Chen apologized, stating ad-like content needs careful handling, and the feature was turned off for improvements.
- Nick Turley, ChatGPT's head, denied live ad tests, calling screenshots 'not real or not ads'.
- Speculation about OpenAI's ad ambitions grew after Fidji Simo, ex-Facebook and Instacart exec, was appointed CEO of Applications.
- Recent reports suggest OpenAI CEO Sam Altman prioritized ChatGPT quality over other initiatives, including advertising.