The Era of Advertising on ChatGPT

Introduction

In the world of artificial intelligence, the notion of an ‘ad-free future’ is giving way to a more realistic transformation process. OpenAI's decision to consider an advertising model for ChatGPT is not merely a change in revenue model; it signifies a structural shift that will determine the direction of the digital ecosystem. Today, this decision directly concerns not only ChatGPT users but all digital economy actors.

Why is OpenAI Switching to an Advertising Model?

According to Financial Times data, OpenAI incurred a loss of approximately $8 billion in the first six months of 2025. With only 5% of ChatGPT's 800 million users being paid subscribers, the sustainability problem became apparent. This picture reveals the following realities:

• The proportion of free users is very high
• Subscription revenues do not cover costs
• Infrastructure, processing power, and data costs are constantly increasing
• Financial pressure is growing as AI systems scale up

The advertising model was introduced at this point as a ‘last resort’.

Sam Altman and the Paradox of Conflict

CEO Sam Altman has previously described advertising as ‘unusually intrusive’ and explicitly stated that it was a last resort for ChatGPT. However, at this point, financial sustainability has taken precedence over ideals. This situation reflects the fundamental dilemma faced by modern technology companies:

Ethical values or a sustainable financial model?

How Will the Trial Period Begin?

Advertising model in the initial phase:

• It will be limited to US users
• It will cover free users
• It will include a new subscription tier called ‘ChatGPT Go’
• It will proceed with a controlled test model

This structure enables behavioural analysis and system security testing prior to global rollout.

OpenAI Advertising Principles

OpenAI aims to build a structure that differs from the classic advertising model. According to the published principles:

• Mission Alignment: Advertisements will support making artificial intelligence accessible to everyone
• Response Independence: Advertisers will not be able to influence AI responses
• Privacy: User data will not be sold to advertisers
• User Control: Personalisation can be disabled
• Long-Term Value: There will be no manipulation to ‘extend engagement time’.

These points demonstrate the effort to create an ethical advertising model.

Implications for the Digital Ecosystem

This development is not limited to ChatGPT. It has the following implications for all digital systems:

• Deepening of the data-driven economy
• Shift towards privacy-focused systems
• User trust gaining strategic value
• Transformation of the concept of ad-free platforms
• Increased importance of areas such as digital identity, digital business cards, and digital asset management

The issue is no longer just advertising, but digital trust architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will ads on ChatGPT be targeted using personal data?

No. OpenAI explicitly states that user data will not be shared with advertisers.

Will the adverts influence the responses?

No. Content will not be influenced, in accordance with the principle of response independence.

Will it be possible to turn off the adverts?

Personalisation and control options will be available to users.

Will this model be global?

It will initially be tested in the US, with potential for expansion thereafter.

Conclusion:

The advertising era in ChatGPT is not just a change in revenue model; it is the beginning of a new paradigm in the world of artificial intelligence, centred on ethics, trust and sustainability.

This transformation further enhances the value of trust-based systems in the digital world.
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