OpenAI continues to work to grow its ad business in ChatGPT, cutting ad rates, chasing small and midsize businesses, and hiring some new talent from Meta

Your contact information can be used to target ads within ChatGPT, and malware can be delivered via online ads.

OpenAI is actively expanding its advertising business within ChatGPT, reportedly lowering ad rates and actively recruiting small and medium-sized businesses. The company has also hired talent from Meta, a move that suggests a strategic effort to bolster its advertising capabilities. Research indicates that OpenAI's ad targeting in ChatGPT can utilize user phone numbers and email addresses, a capability that mirrors standard advertising practices but may not be immediately apparent to users interacting with the platform. This development occurs alongside separate research confirming that online advertisements are being employed to distribute potent, zero-click mercenary malware. The article highlights the potential for ad networks to be exploited for malicious purposes, a concern that extends beyond OpenAI's specific advertising efforts.

OpenAI's push into advertising, including efforts to attract SMBs and a hiring spree from Meta, indicates a significant strategic investment in monetizing ChatGPT beyond its subscription services. This move suggests the company views ads as a crucial revenue stream, potentially reshaping the user experience and data privacy landscape within its AI products. The integration of advanced targeting, which can leverage personal contact details, signals a more aggressive approach to ad delivery, raising questions about user awareness and consent in an AI-driven environment.

The dual focus on enhancing its own ad business while facing revelations about malware distribution through ad networks highlights a critical tension in the digital advertising ecosystem. For users, this means increased exposure to both targeted advertising and sophisticated cyber threats. The potential for personal data to fuel AI-powered ad targeting, combined with the evolving tactics of malware distributors, underscores the growing complexity of online security and privacy.