OpenAI halts ChatGPT 'promotional messages' amid user backlash, denies ads

• OpenAI users reported promotional messages in ChatGPT, raising concerns about the introduction of advertising.
• OpenAI's Chief Research Officer, Mark Chen, acknowledged they "fell short" with promotional messages and has turned off "this kind of suggestion."
• ChatGPT head Nick Turley denied "live tests for ads," stating any reported screenshots were "either not real or not ads."
• OpenAI attributes the messages to tests for apps built on its platform, denying any financial component, an explanation met with user skepticism.
• A recent memo from CEO Sam Altman declared a "code red," prioritizing ChatGPT quality improvements over other products, including advertising.

Why It Matters: It impacts your ChatGPT experience and signals OpenAI's future monetization approach.