Advertising has already arrived in real tests on OpenAI's ChatGPT

OpenAI, the company behind the widely adopted ChatGPT, is reportedly testing advertising within its popular conversational AI platform, mirroring a strategic shift seen in subscription-based services like Netflix. This move signals a new phase in the monetization of advanced AI tools, moving beyond purely subscription or API access models. The integration of advertising could reshape user experience and revenue streams for AI developers. The initial tests appear to involve displaying advertisements during user interactions with ChatGPT, suggesting a potential for targeted marketing based on user queries and conversations. While specific details regarding the ad formats and targeting mechanisms are yet to be fully disclosed, this development highlights the increasing convergence of AI technology with traditional digital advertising ecosystems. The implications for user data privacy and the nature of AI-generated content are significant considerations. This testing phase directly impacts users of ChatGPT, potentially altering their interaction with the platform by introducing sponsored content. For advertisers, it opens a new frontier for reaching consumers through advanced AI interfaces, while also raising questions about the ethical considerations of advertising within AI-driven interactions. The broader digital policy landscape, including regulations like the GDPR and emerging AI governance frameworks, will likely need to address these new monetization strategies.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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