Rumours claiming that OpenAI has begun experimenting with advertisements inside ChatGPT have stirred intense debate across social media over the past month. Several users posted screenshots suggesting ad placements within the interface, prompting widespread concern about possible shifts in the platform’s user experience.
OpenAI Refutes Claims: ‘No Live Tests for Ads’
Addressing the growing speculation, OpenAI clarified that it is not running any live tests involving advertisements on ChatGPT. The company said the images circulating online do not reflect any official trial or rollout.
Benjamin Turley, an OpenAI spokesperson, emphasised that if the company ever explores advertising as a revenue model, it would adopt a “thoughtful approach.” He reiterated that user trust remains central to all product decisions and that OpenAI would communicate transparently before making any changes that affect the ChatGPT experience.
Commitment to User Trust
The clarification comes as industry watchers debate how generative AI platforms might evolve commercially. OpenAI’s assurance aims to calm concerns and reaffirm its stance on maintaining a transparent relationship with users. Turley noted that no ad-related developments are currently underway, and any future considerations would be guided by user expectations and product integrity.
Altman Declares ‘Code Red’ as Competition Intensifies
Amid the advertising rumours, OpenAI is also navigating heightened competitive pressure from Google. According to The Information, CEO Sam Altman described the company’s current situation as a “code red” in an internal memo, referencing the threat posed by Google’s newly revamped Gemini 3 model.
The upgraded Gemini system is being positioned as a formidable rival to ChatGPT and a broader challenge to other AI developers including Anthropic and Meta. Altman reportedly told employees on Monday that OpenAI must reorient its priorities to reinforce ChatGPT’s capabilities.
Some Projects Temporarily Paused
To execute what Altman called a “surge” in product improvement, OpenAI will temporarily slow down or pause several ongoing initiatives. Projects tied to advertising experiments and autonomous technologies are among those being placed on hold so that teams can concentrate resources on strengthening ChatGPT’s performance and competitiveness.
As the AI race accelerates, OpenAI’s dual message—denying ad testing while shifting focus back to its flagship product—highlights both the pressures and the strategic recalibrations shaping the future of generative AI.
