Dutch users of ChatGPT will begin seeing advertisements in the popular chatbot from next week. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced it is expanding adverts across 31 European nations, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Austria. The measure aims to boost company revenue. OpenAI stated that adverts support its mission to make advanced AI accessible to everyone by sustaining free and low-cost access. Only users on the free tier or the cheapest subscription plan will see these promotional messages. The move also offers European marketers a new channel to reach consumers while they actively make decisions.
European expansion and data privacy
OpenAI initially began testing adverts in the United States in February before expanding to eight other markets. The company assured users that advertisers cannot view private ChatGPT conversations and that customer data is not sold. It added that adverts will be clearly labelled and will not influence chatbot responses.
A major strategic shift ahead of stock market debut
This commercial push represents a major shift for OpenAI as it prepares for an initial public offering in New York. Chief executive Sam Altman previously expressed personal disdain for advertisements, calling them a “last resort.” He voiced concern that users might trust a chatbot less if they felt it was selling products.
@ anp | NEWS BRIANPORT
