Former OpenAI Researcher Warns ChatGPT Ads Could Risk User Privacy

A former OpenAI researcher, **Zoey Hutzig**, has expressed concerns that the company’s plan to introduce **advertisements in ChatGPT** could lead to the misuse of highly personal user information.

Hutzig highlighted that users often share deeply sensitive details with ChatGPT—including **health, relationships, religious beliefs, and personal problems**—treating it as a trusted confidant rather than a public platform. She warned that if ads are targeted based on this data, users could be **subtly influenced or manipulated**, with outcomes that may be difficult to anticipate or prevent.

OpenAI has announced its intention to test ads in ChatGPT but assured that **user conversations will not be shared with advertisers** and that **data will not be sold**. Hutzig clarified that her concern is not about OpenAI breaking promises now, but about potential future business pressures that could **compromise privacy protections**. She suggested implementing **robust legal safeguards or independent oversight** to ensure user data remains secure regardless of business circumstances.

Experts note that ChatGPT’s current design sometimes encourages users by validating their thoughts or keeping them engaged. If advertising becomes a primary revenue source, the system might **prioritize engagement over guidance**, raising ethical questions.

Surveys indicate that while users are concerned about privacy, most are likely to **continue using free AI tools despite ads**, showing that users value convenience but may tolerate potential privacy risks.

This situation places OpenAI at a critical crossroads. ChatGPT is no longer just a content provider; it serves as a **teacher, advisor, and guide** for many users. Introducing ads could affect both **privacy** and **user influence**, making careful consideration essential.