tech
January 22, 2026
Sen. Markey questions OpenAI about ‘deceptive advertising’ in ChatGPT
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TL;DR
- Senator Ed Markey is raising concerns about advertisements being embedded in AI chatbots.
- He is specifically questioning OpenAI about its plans to test ads in ChatGPT.
- Markey cites potential risks to consumer protection, privacy, and the safety of young users.
- He suggests that emotional connections with chatbots could be exploited for advertising purposes.
- Concerns are raised about the potential for ads to be less recognizable in conversational interfaces.
- Markey questions whether sensitive user information will be used for targeted advertising.
- He has given several AI companies a deadline to respond to questions about AI chatbot advertising.
- OpenAI plans to test ads for free ChatGPT users, excluding those under 18 and conversations about health or politics.