AI chatbots may pose health risks through targeted advertising, experts warn
This is an editorial summary of research originally reported by The Lancet. ProductSafer does not claim ownership of the underlying research. All intellectual property belongs to the original publishers.
OpenAI plans to add targeted ads to free and low-cost versions of ChatGPT, which raises public health concerns about how ads influence health decisions made through AI chatbots. While the company promises safeguards like keeping ads away from health topics and blocking users under 18, experts worry that targeted advertising in health-related chatbots could mislead people seeking medical information. This matters because millions already use ChatGPT for health questions, and personalized ads could push products or treatments based on your data rather than what's actually best for you.
OpenAI has announced plans to introduce advertising within free and low-cost versions of ChatGPT, alongside voluntary safeguards including separation of advertisements from responses, privacy protections, exclusion of users younger than 18 years, and limits on advertising around sensitive topics such as health.1,2 This shift was predictable, given the substantial losses associated with capital-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) models and the proven profitability of targeted advertising on d
This summary is based on reporting by The Lancet. For the complete article and full research details, see the original report linked below.
What you can doAI-generated
- ✓Check whether you're using a free or low-cost version of ChatGPT, as paid versions may offer better protection from targeted advertising that could influence health-related queries.
- ✓Review any health or medical advice you receive from ChatGPT with extra skepticism, since advertisements embedded in the chatbot responses could bias the information presented to you.
- ✓Be aware that ChatGPT's advertising system may use your personal data to target ads based on your chat history, so avoid sharing sensitive health information or symptoms if you're concerned about privacy.
- ✓If you're under 18, verify that you're being excluded from ChatGPT's advertising system as intended, and ask a parent or guardian to monitor whether ads appear in any accounts you use.
Always consult a healthcare professional for personal medical advice.
Read the full report at the original source
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