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ChatGPT to Show Ads in Belgium Next Week: What It Means and How to Protect Yourself

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • OpenAI will begin displaying ads in ChatGPT for users in 31 European countries, including Belgium, starting next week.
  • Advertisements will appear below the chat interface and will be tailored to the conversation content.
  • While political ads are currently excluded, experts note this could change, and users are advised to protect their privacy.

OpenAI is set to introduce advertisements within its popular chatbot, ChatGPT, across 31 European countries, including Belgium, starting next week. These ads will be visible beneath the chat interface, with the company emphasizing that political advertisements will not be shown, at least for now. This move follows a similar rollout of ads in the United States earlier this year.

For the time being, there will be no political advertisements. For the time being.

— Tim VerheydenVRT NWS journalist and expert Tim Verheyden comments on the initial exclusion of political ads in ChatGPT.

According to VRT NWS journalist and expert Tim Verheyden, the sponsored posts will be based on the ongoing conversation. For example, if a user inquires about a city trip to Barcelona, a hotel chain might display a targeted advertisement. Verheyden explained that ChatGPT will build profiles based on user interactions, including questions, location, and device information, to match users with relevant ads. While OpenAI claims it won't access other conversations unless explicitly permitted, Verheyden noted that the exclusion of political ads might not be permanent, drawing parallels to how political advertising operates on platforms like Facebook under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

They will build profiles (questions, location, device on which you log in).

— Tim VerheydenExpert Tim Verheyden explains how ChatGPT will use user data for advertising.

OpenAI plans to display ads only in the free version or the most affordable subscription tier. The company anticipates that this strategy will generate revenue, potentially encouraging users to opt for the cheaper €8 subscription with ads over the more expensive €20 plan. This is seen as a move to establish a clear revenue model as OpenAI reportedly prepares for an initial public offering next year.

The door is ajar.

— Tim VerheydenTim Verheyden suggests that the exclusion of political ads in ChatGPT might not be permanent.

Verheyden advises users to be cautious about sharing personal information. "ChatGPT clearly states: 'Everything you say, we can use.'" he cautioned. He recommends using ChatGPT in a professional context and refraining from seeking personal advice, likening it to not asking an old friend for advice if they haven't called in a while. The expert highlighted the potential privacy implications as the chatbot builds user profiles based on conversations.

ChatGPT clearly states: 'Everything you say, we can use'.

— Tim VerheydenExpert Tim Verheyden warns users about the data usage policies of ChatGPT.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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