OpenAI Weighs Targeted ChatGPT Ads Using on Memory Data

In Focus

• OpenAI plans to introduce ads on ChatGPT
• Ads will be targeted based on ChatGPT’s memory feature
• Users can turn-off the ChatGPT memory feature

OpenAI is planning to introduce ChatGPT ads based on memory. The AI startup could target ads based on ChatGPT’s memory feature, which enables the chatbot to recall specific details about the user as reported by Gadget360.

Personalizing Ads with Memory Data

ChatGPT’s memory contains detailed contextual and personal data that the AI firm can leverage for personalized advertising. Memory data is inherently precise and more accurate compared to behavioral data collected via cookies that conventional ad networks use.

With this level of precision, prompting ChatGPT ads with memory could be highly effective. OpenAI’s leadership views inclusion of ads on the company’s chatbot as a growth opportunity for the AI startup. Individuals within OpenAI’s leadership have pushed ad personalization based on user data, an approach that is very similar to Meta’s.

Early this month, the social media giant said it will personalize ads and content based on the interactions users have with its AI tools. The majority of employees that are pushing for OpenAI’s advertising strategy previously worked for Meta.

Will ChatGPT Show Targeted Advertisements?

According to a report by The Information, OpenAI plans to show targeted ads in ChatGPT using user data. OpenAI has been considering the idea of adding ads to the chatbot for some time.

Internally, conversations about this idea appear to have advanced significantly. The AI startup has already collected feedback from users, with some holding the view that the chatbot already displays ads.

CEO Sam Altman appears to favor inclusion of ads on ChatGPT, which represents a shift from his previous stand about ads. In December 2024, the OpenAI CEO said ads were a last resort for the company during a fireside at Harvard University.

Last month, OpenAI added an AI shopping agentic shopping system called Instant Checkout to ChatGPT. The AI agent allows U.S. users to make purchases from Shopify and Etsy in between chats. Introduction of the agentic shopping system marked a significant step in shaping the future of online shopping for buyers and ecommerce platforms.

A Quick Preview of ChatGPT’s Memory-Based Ads

• OpenAI will display targeted ads on ChatGPT
• The AI startup views ChatGPT ads as a growth opportunity
• CEO Altman favors inclusion of ads on ChatGPT

Users Can Opt-Out of ChatGPT Ads

ChatGPT users have the option of turning off the memory feature to avoid targeted ads. However, doing so would make AI-generated responses less personalized. Without the memory feature, users would have to provide background details repeatedly to get accurate answers.

OpenAI is testing limited in-chat ads based on user queries. With memory-enabled personalization, these ads could be customized to the needs of each user. The AI startup launched GPT-5 in August 2025.

Currently, OpenAI faces a critical decision as it balances financial needs with its bold vision. Its approach with the ChatGPT memory feature could define its future. By leveraging personal data to power advertising, the AI startup could expand its revenue base significantly. But the same move could hurt user trust and damage OpenAI’s reputation.