ChatGPT Users Notice Intrusive Ads: OpenAI Explains the Reason

ChatGPT users were outraged by an unexpected recommendation to install the Peloton app during a discussion on a completely different topic. One of the users, co-founder of the startup Hyperbolic, Yuchen Jin, shared a screenshot on X (formerly Twitter), where the AI suggested connecting Peloton during a conversation about a podcast with Elon Musk. Jin noted that he is a subscriber of the Pro plan for $200 a month, so he did not expect such insertions that look like advertising.

What is known

OpenAI quickly responded and noted that it was not advertising, but just a test of the app recommendation feature. A company representative, Daniel Macaulay, stated that there was no financial motive but admitted that the advice was "inappropriate" and caused an "unclear experience." Users also complained that they could not disable such recommendations, while others received intrusive suggestions, such as for Spotify, even if they use Apple Music.

OpenAI announced back in October that apps would naturally integrate into conversations with ChatGPT. They are intended to open as interactive mini-programs directly in the chat.

Currently, access to ChatGPT apps is only available to authorized users outside the EU, Switzerland, and the UK. Integrations are in the testing phase, and OpenAI is collaborating with companies such as Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Zillow, and others.

Source: @Yuchenj_UW