OpenAI’s highly acclaimed ChatGPT AI chatbot, equipped with the ability to browse the web through Bing, has met an unexpected block due to its exceptional proficiency at bypassing paywalls. The creators quickly realized that Bing’s browsing capabilities were too efficient, as the intelligent algorithm effortlessly evaded paywalls to provide users with desired information. Consequently, OpenAI made the decision to disable this feature.
Introduced in March, Bing support enabled ChatGPT to keep up with current events, a major advancement considering its limited knowledge up until fall 2021. Prior to the update, the AI chatbot would respond with ignorance when asked about recent sporting events or other recent news. However, with Bing’s integration, ChatGPT became capable of retrieving up-to-date information or data that was just a day or two old. Unfortunately, OpenAI realized that Bing’s browsing abilities were too successful, ultimately breaching paywalls to furnish requested answers. In response, OpenAI took immediate action and terminated the feature.
OpenAI officially announced in a blog post that they discovered the ChatGPT Browse beta occasionally displayed undesirable content. The unintended consequences led OpenAI to pull the plug on the browsing functionality. The blog post stated, For example, if a user specifically asks for a URL’s full text, it might inadvertently fulfill this request.
Now, when inquiring about article summaries, ChatGPT responds with an apology and a clarification of its limitations, stating, I’m sorry for the confusion, but as an AI developed by OpenAI, I don’t have the ability to browse the internet in real-time or access specific URL content. However, I can certainly provide general information on the topic based on my training data up until September 2021.
It is worth noting that attempting to bypass paywalls with Bing Chat does not yield any successful outcomes. Instead, Bing acknowledges the presence of a paywall and encourages users to subscribe to the respective website. Conversely, Google Bard may decline to provide the exact text but persistent inquiries could eventually result in a detailed summary of the article in question. These differences highlight how Bing, Bard, and ChatGPT handle various queries.
Typically, OpenAI aims to deliver what users desire. However, in this particular case, their decision to restrict the Browse Beta feature reflects the values and principles that OpenAI upholds. This limitation is good news for journalists who rely on premium content to support their livelihoods and attract new readers. Yet, on the other hand, it may be disappointing for those who have witnessed the potential capabilities of AI chatbots gradually diminish. OpenAI may still discover a balanced middle ground, potentially similar to other sites that reblog paid-for content.
Overall, this development showcases OpenAI’s commitment to responsibly managing AI capabilities and respecting intellectual property rights. By making the necessary adjustments, OpenAI ensures the preservation of valuable content while still providing users with a beneficial AI experience.
