Google DeepMind CEO Surprised by OpenAI’s Quick Move to Ads in ChatGPT

City: Davos: Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis expressed surprise that OpenAI is rushing to add ads in its chatbot, ChatGPT. In an interview, he explained that his team at Google is carefully considering how to approach ad use in AI services.

Hassabis reassured that they’re not feeling pressured to make quick advertising decisions, even though ads are vital to Google’s business. He mentioned that OpenAI plans to test ads to make money from its chatbot’s huge user base, but this could change how people feel about the service.

“I’m a little surprised they’ve moved so early into that,” he said about OpenAI’s decision. He noted that while ads can be helpful in many cases, it’s important to think about how ads fit into a chatbot that is supposed to be a friendly assistant.

In earlier conversations, Hassabis indicated that Google doesn’t have plans for ads in its chatbot. Instead, they want to observe user reactions to OpenAI’s ads before deciding on a direction.

The public has already reacted negatively to ads in AI chats. When OpenAI tested a feature suggesting apps, people found it irritating, leading to the idea being dropped. It wasn’t about money but how the suggestions affected the chat experience.

Hassabis believes that using a chatbot feels different than using Google Search. With Search, users have clear intents, but chatbots are designed to assist users more personally. He stressed that this difference needs careful consideration.

Google is focusing on making their AI, Gemini, more helpful. They recently added features allowing Gemini to personalize responses using users’ Gmail and Photos. While tailored ads keep web services free, pushing ads in conversations could be off-putting to users, which has been seen with Amazon’s Alexa.

Hassabis concluded that they feel no immediate pressure to include ads hastily. His approach emphasizes thoughtful and careful steps in developing technology and products.