OpenAI announced that it will begin displaying advertisements to some users of its ChatGPT platform. The trial, set to commence in the United States, will affect users of the free ChatGPT service and subscribers to a new, lower-cost subscription tier called ChatGPT Go.
ChatGPT Go will be available worldwide at a price of $8 per month, or the equivalent in local currencies. OpenAI stated that the introduction of ads is intended to allow more individuals to access their AI tools with fewer usage restrictions. During the trial phase, relevant advertisements will appear following user prompts. For example, a user inquiring about travel destinations in Mexico might see holiday-related ads displayed as banners.
The company emphasized that these advertisements will not influence ChatGPT's responses, and user conversation data will not be shared with advertisers. OpenAI's decision to explore advertising comes amid growing speculation about the valuation of the AI sector. Some analysts suggest that the current enthusiasm and investment in AI may be unsustainable, potentially leading to a market correction. Henry Ajder, an expert in the field, has previously noted the possibility of an AI "bubble" that could burst.
The integration of advertising into ChatGPT raises questions about the future of AI monetization and its potential impact on user experience. While OpenAI assures users that ads will be relevant and non-intrusive, the long-term effects on the platform's utility and user perception remain to be seen. The trial's outcome will likely inform OpenAI's strategy for broader ad implementation and influence the approach of other AI developers considering similar revenue models.
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