tech
January 22, 2026
Google DeepMind CEO is 'surprised' OpenAI is rushing forward with ads in ChatGPT
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis says the tech giant isn't pressuring him to insert ads into the AI chatbot experience.
TL;DR
- Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis is surprised by OpenAI's early introduction of ads into its AI chatbot.
- Hassabis stated that Google is thinking through AI monetization strategies very carefully and is not feeling pressure for 'knee-jerk' decisions.
- He questioned the integration of ads into AI assistants, expressing concerns about user trust.
- Google currently has no plans for ads in its AI chatbot and will monitor user responses to OpenAI's implementation.
- Past user backlash to features perceived as intrusive ads, like OpenAI's app suggestions, highlights sensitivity to ad integration.
- Hassabis differentiated AI chatbots from search engines, where ads are more readily accepted due to understood user intent.
- Google's Gemini is introducing personalization features that leverage user data for tailored responses.