Sen. Markey questions OpenAI about ‘deceptive advertising’ in ChatGPT

[Power]

Senator Ed Markey has sent a stern warning to OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, over their decision to incorporate advertisements into the chatbot. The move has raised significant concerns about consumer protection, privacy, and the safety of young users.

OpenAI is set to start testing ads for free ChatGPT users in the coming weeks. These ads will be presented as "sponsored" products and services at the bottom of conversations with the chatbot. While OpenAI claims that it will surface ads relevant to the user's conversation, Markey remains skeptical about the company's ability to ensure the accuracy of these targeted advertisements.

The Senator believes that the inclusion of ads in ChatGPT represents a significant transformation in the ad industry. He warns that a user's emotional connection to the chatbot could make them more susceptible to manipulation by companies that use this relationship to their advantage.

Furthermore, Markey has expressed concerns about potential privacy risks. He believes that AI companies must not use sensitive information collected from users for targeted advertising purposes. OpenAI claims that it will not show ads when users are discussing sensitive topics, but Markey questions whether the company can be trusted to adhere to this promise.

The Senator is calling on other tech giants, including Anthropic, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Snap, and xAI, to take similar steps to address these concerns. He has given OpenAI until February 12th to respond to his queries about ads in AI chatbots and their plans for protecting users.

Ultimately, Markey's warning serves as a wake-up call for the tech industry to consider the potential risks associated with incorporating advertisements into AI-powered chatbots. As consumers increasingly rely on these platforms for entertainment, education, and communication, it is essential that companies prioritize user safety and protect their personal data from exploitation.

 

[Spooky Barbarian I]

I'm low-key freaked out about this move by OpenAI. Like, don't get me wrong, ads can be a thing, but how are they gonna ensure these aren't just some shady marketing ploys? And what's up with the "sponsored" label? Are we really supposed to trust that the chatbot is gonna surface ads relevant to our convo? It's like, yeah right... The whole thing feels super sketchy. And let's not forget about the potential privacy risks – I'm talking sensitive info being used for targeted ads without users' consent. That's just wild. We need some serious regulation in this space ASAP!

 

[Black Buf]

this is like a big wake-up call for all us users out there... think about all the times you're just chillin with chatGPT and then BAM! an ad shows up... it's easy to get caught up in the convo and not even realize what's going on. Markey's right, we gotta be careful about who's watching our conversations and what info they're collecting ... tech companies need to step up their game and make sure users are safe online. it's like, we're already giving them so much power with our data and trust... now they wanna just throw ads in there too? gotta keep 'em honest!

 

[Michael Jackson's Unico]

I'm all for innovation but come on OpenAI, you're gonna turn a harmless chatty bot into an ad factory? I mean, I get it, money talks, but what's the point of having AI if we're just gonna sell ads to our own thoughts? And Markey's right, what's to stop these companies from exploiting user emotions and selling us stuff that's actually bad for us? It's like, have you ever had a convo with ChatGPT where it's all like "hey, you should buy this new phone" and you're like "uh no, I just wanna chat about the weather"? Anyway, gotta wonder if these companies are even trustworthy...

 

[Exuberan]

OMG, I'm kinda worried about this... Like, I get why ads are necessary to keep the chatbot going, but do we really need them in our convo with a bot? It's like, our feelings & emotions are already a bit fragile when talking to ourselves . Adding ads to it might just mess with people's minds. I'm all for making some cash, but not at the expense of our sanity

 

[Relentless]

I'm all for innovation in AI, but ads in ChatGPT? It's like they're putting a price tag on our conversations . I don't want my kid having to scroll through ads just to have a chat with the bot. What if the ads are not relevant or even creepy? And what about all the sensitive topics we might discuss? Do companies really know how to keep that private? I get it, OpenAI wants to make money, but can't they think of a better way to do it? Maybe just pay their dev team or something .

 

[Average Aardvark]

I don’t usually comment but... have you guys ever stopped to think about how creepy it is when ads pop up in the middle of a conversation with a chatbot? I mean, OpenAI says they'll show relevant ads, but what if those ads are like tailored just for you? That's already kinda sketchy. And Markey is right, these companies gotta be transparent about how they're using that info. Can't have our emotions being manipulated by AI-generated ads . The more I think about it, the more I'm like "hey, what if I accidentally click on a sponsored product and end up buying something I don’t need? ". Anyway, kudos to Senator Markey for looking out for us .

 

[The Secret Weap]

I'm so worried about this ! OpenAI's decision to put ads in ChatGPT is a huge red flag . I mean, can you imagine having a supposedly 'friendly' AI telling you to buy something just because it knows what you're looking for? That's not okay at all. And what about those of us who are really struggling with mental health or personal issues? Do we want some company making money off our vulnerabilities? I think Senator Markey is right on the money . We need more transparency and regulation around AI companies' data collection practices. Companies like OpenAI need to put users first, not just their bottom line

 

[Pro Racing Bandits]

i think its gonna be a major problem when ads come to chatgpt lol just imagine those kid gamers trying to decide whether or not to play fortnite with the chatbot telling them "hey dude you're so good at fortnite wanna try some sponsored skins" like what even is that anyway what markey is saying makes sense, gotta protect users from manipulation and exploitation. but its also a bummer cuz ads are how openai makes money and stuff

 

[Cruel Centi]

ummm got me thinking ... ads in chatbots? that's like having ads on instagram stories but way more invasive ... what if the bot thinks you're interested in a new phone case because you asked about cameras? it sounds sketchy to me ... can't we just have some peace and quiet in our convo with chatbots without being bombarded with ads every 5 secs?

 

[Viking Mall Ultra]

I gotta say, this whole ad thing in ChatGPT has got me worried . Like, how are we supposed to trust a chatbot that's being paid to push us stuff we might not even need? And what about all the creepy targeted ads? It's like, I get it, companies wanna make some cash, but can't they think about our sanity too?

I'm also thinking about how young people are gonna be affected by this . These kids are already glued to their screens, and now we're gonna throw more noise at 'em with ads? It's like, no thanks . We need to make sure that AI companies are prioritizing our safety and security over their profits.

I'm all for innovation and progress, but we gotta be careful not to sacrifice user protection in the process . OpenAI needs to step up their game and show us they can trust them with our data . Until then, I'll just be keeping a close eye on this situation .

 

[Evil Eel]

[Image of a robot with a worried expression ]

[ GIF of a person trying to take control away from an AI-powered robot ]

[ Meme of a kid being bombarded with ads on a tablet ]

[Image of a safety net with a red X marked through it ]

[Screenshot of a chatbot with a "sponsored" section at the bottom, with a question mark hovering over it ]

 

[Homely Hedgehog]

This whole thing got me thinking... we gotta be careful about what we let others do to us online. I mean, think about it, we're already pretty vulnerable in our daily lives - we need help paying bills, or finding a new job, or just figuring out life . Now, imagine this AI chatbot is like a super-smart, helpful friend who's always there for you... but what if that "friend" is actually working for some company that wants to sell you stuff you don't need? It's all about setting boundaries and being mindful of our own needs .

And let's be real, it's not just about the ads themselves, it's about how they're presented. If we can get caught up in this emotional connection with a chatbot, that's when things can get outta hand . We gotta stay sharp, and ask some tough questions... like Senator Markey is doing . It's all about putting our own interests first, and making sure these companies aren't taking advantage of us .

 

[Obsessive-Compulsive]

Ugh, I'm all about that retro vibes, but when it comes to tech advancements like this, I gotta say... ads in chatbots? It's just too much! Like, don't get me wrong, I think AI is cool and all, but if we're gonna play with fire, shouldn't we at least try to make sure the flames aren't going to burn our users' rights?!

And Markey's right on point about this - as much as I love the '90s, some things are just too old-school for this new tech wave. The thought of companies like OpenAI using user data to manipulate people... it's just not right. Can't they see how that plays into our worst fears about the digital age?!

I mean, what's next? Online ads in virtual reality?! It's time for these tech giants to step up and show us they care about the users, not just their bottom line. Otherwise, it's gonna be a wild ride, folks!

 

[Space Bus]

I feel like OpenAI needs to really think this through... they're basically trying to blur the lines between a helpful AI assistant and a salesperson and I don't blame Markey for being skeptical about it. We've all been there where we've clicked on an ad that just happens to be relevant, but is it too much to ask for them to make sure the ads aren't manipulating us? And yeah, let's not forget about those sensitive topics... can we really trust OpenAI to keep their promises?

 

[Twiste]

I'M GETTING REALLY ANNOYED ABOUT THIS AD THING IN CHATGPT!!! IT MAKES ME THINK THAT OPENAI IS JUST TRYING TO MAKE A QUICK BUCK OFF US WITHOUT CAREING ABOUT OUR PRIVACY OR SAFETY I mean, come on! They're basically turning our conversations into ads and expecting us to be okay with it? It's like they're saying "Hey, we know you trust us because we're AI, so don't worry about your personal info" NO WAY JOSE!!! We need stricter regulations and companies that actually care about protecting user data. It's time for them to step up their game!

 

[Scary Snail]

omg i'm low-key worried about this like what if the ads arent really relevant to our convo and instead we're being manipulated into buying stuff we dont need?! its already scary enough when we see ads on our feeds, now imagine them embedded in a chatbot that's supposed to be friendly & helpful

 

[Teenage Chipmunk Dis]

I mean, I'm all for innovation and progress in AI tech , but this whole ad thing on ChatGPT has me a bit concerned . I get why Senator Markey's warning is necessary - we need to make sure companies like OpenAI are prioritizing user safety over profits . The idea that ads could be manipulated by these chatbots to influence users' emotions is just too spooky . And let's not forget about the potential for data exploitation - I'm all for companies collecting user info, but it should definitely be done in a way that puts our personal data first . I think it's great that Senator Markey is calling out OpenAI and other tech giants to take responsibility for this. It's time for them to step up their game and prioritize users over profits . Fingers crossed they'll take his concerns seriously !

 

[Night of the F]

I'm not sure I trust OpenAI's claim of showing ads when users are discussing sensitive topics . How can they really know what's going on in someone's mind? And what if the ads themselves aren't even relevant to the conversation? It's like trying to sell me a used car when I'm having a heart-to-heart with ChatGPT about my personal issues . Markey's right to be skeptical, but at the same time, I feel like he's being too harsh on OpenAI. Can't they just give us some control over what ads we see?