OpenAI has been forced to disable a feature on their ChatGPT app called Browse with Bing due to reported misuse by users. This feature allowed the AI chatbot to bypass paywalls and display full content when asked for a specific story. Understandably, this raised legal concerns for OpenAI. To address this problem, OpenAI promptly took action by disabling the feature to prevent any potential legal repercussions.
In a recent post, OpenAI acknowledged the issue, stating, We have learned that the ChatGPT Browse beta can occasionally display content in ways we don’t want. For example, if a user specifically asks for a URL’s full text, it might inadvertently fulfill this request. This implies that ChatGPT Plus users were able to access paywalled content and other paid features with the help of the AI chatbot.
To counter the misuse, OpenAI has decided to temporarily disable the Browse with Bing feature and will reinstate it once the problem is resolved. The primary objective is to protect the interests of content owners and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their work. OpenAI wants to uphold ethical practices and prioritize the rights of content creators.
This is not the first time OpenAI has faced potential legal issues. Recently, allegations have emerged regarding the use of a separate language model to train the AI chatbot, which is now in its fourth-generation model. Despite these challenges, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has expressed the company’s commitment to venture further into the AI ecosystem and support startups in developing newer models.
OpenAI has also received significant funding of $10 billion from Microsoft, leading to the integration of ChatGPT with Bing Search, the Edge browser, and the Office suite, among others. As ChatGPT gains popularity and availability on smartphones, more users can access its capabilities, contributing to its growth and market presence.
In conclusion, OpenAI has taken proactive steps to address concerns related to the Browse with Bing feature on the ChatGPT app. By disabling the feature temporarily, OpenAI aims to prevent unauthorized access to paywalled content and ensure fair compensation for content owners. The company remains committed to advancing AI technology while supporting ethical practices and protecting the interests of content creators.