OpenAI Disables Controversial Ad-Like Suggestions
OpenAI has recently made a significant change to its ChatGPT platform by disabling a feature that displayed app suggestions resembling advertisements. This decision came after numerous complaints from paying users who felt these prompts were intrusive and misleading. Users were confused about why a paid service would showcase content that appeared to be commercial in nature.
The controversy began when several users, particularly those subscribed to ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise, shared screenshots showing what looked like promotional messages for brands like Peloton and Target. OpenAI maintained that these were not ads but rather suggestions aimed at highlighting apps built on the ChatGPT platform.
Despite this clarification, user dissatisfaction grew, with many accusing the company of downplaying the issue. In response, Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT, assured users that there were no tests for ads running in the system. He emphasized that any circulating screenshots suggesting advertising were either inaccurate or misunderstood.
Mark Chen, OpenAI's chief research officer, also acknowledged the backlash and admitted the company had not executed its rollout effectively. He stated that any features resembling advertisements need to be approached with care and confirmed that OpenAI has now disabled those app suggestions. The company is also working on improving the precision of the model and exploring user controls to minimize or eliminate such suggestions in the future.
The timing of this backlash is noteworthy, especially as OpenAI recently appointed Fidji Simo, a former executive from Instacart and Facebook, to lead its applications division. This move was seen as a preparation for a potential advertising strategy. However, a recent memo from CEO Sam Altman indicated a shift in focus toward enhancing ChatGPT's core quality, delaying other initiatives, including early advertising efforts.
Moving forward, OpenAI is committed to providing a cleaner user experience while reevaluating how and when to surface recommendations. The company emphasizes that user trust remains central to its decisions, and any future features will be designed to uphold that principle.
