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OpenAI Begins Testing Ads in ChatGPT for U.S. Free and Go Users

OpenAI says the move will fund heavy compute needs with clearly labeled placements.

Overview

  • The limited test targets adult users in the United States on the free tier and the new ChatGPT Go plan.
  • Plus and higher-priced subscriptions, including Pro and Enterprise, remain ad-free.
  • OpenAI says ads will be clearly marked, model answers will not be influenced, and chat histories or user data will not be sold to advertisers.
  • Initial designs show sponsored blocks appearing after responses, with settings to turn off personalized targeting.
  • The shift aims to finance costly data-center investments under a freemium approach, prompting warnings about user trust and advertiser leverage, with no timeline yet for expansion beyond the U.S.