ToolsThe story, in brief
ChatGPT now tracks users for ads by default as OpenAI looks for new revenue
OpenAI just flipped the switch on ad tracking for millions of free users—and it's on by default.
The KeyNews take
Why it matters
OpenAI is monetizing its free user base through advertising and behavioral tracking, signaling a major shift in how the company plans to diversify revenue beyond API and subscriptions. This product change affects user experience and has privacy/regulatory implications for the AI platform economy.
The key facts
5 to knowMarketing cookies enabled by default for free ChatGPT users in ad-supported countries
Tracking inactive for paid subscribers
Users can disable tracking in account settings
Monetization strategy: advertising tier for free users
Published: May 2, 2026
Go to the source
The Decoderthe-decoder.com
Publisher excerpt: OpenAI has turned on marketing cookies by default for free ChatGPT users in countries where ads are running. Tracking is automatically active for free accounts but not for paying subscribers. You can disable it in your account settings.