Several weeks back, OpenAI revealed plans to experiment with visual ads within ChatGPT replies. Soon after, Google assured that its Gemini model would stay ad-free at least temporarily. As AI firms weigh their options, Anthropic has now clarified its position, aligning closely with Google's approach.
In a recent blog entry, Anthropic stated that its chatbot Claude would continue without any advertisements. Users can expect no promotional hyperlinks during interactions, and the AI's outputs will remain unaffected by sponsors or embedded promotions.
Concurrently, Anthropic shared several promotional clips that subtly criticize the concept of inserting ads into AI chat interfaces. Although no rivals were explicitly mentioned, the intent appears evident.
According to Anthropic, ads may suit various contexts, but dialogues with Claude do not qualify as one. Integrating advertisements would undermine the tool's core role as a reliable aid for professional tasks and profound reflection.
Following this, Sam Altman, head of competing OpenAI, posted on social media responding to Anthropic's ad-free commitment and its videos. He interprets the move as an indirect critique of how OpenAI incorporates ads into ChatGPT.
Altman began by noting the positive aspect of Anthropic's materials: they provide humor, prompting his laughter. However, he questioned Anthropic's choice of such overtly misleading tactics. He emphasized OpenAI's key ad guideline, which prohibits precisely the practices Anthropic highlights, stating they would never implement ads in the manner suggested.
Altman's response unfolded as an extended critique targeting Anthropic and Claude. He argued that Anthropic's offering caters mainly to affluent users as a premium service, whereas ChatGPT's ads sustain availability for no-cost access (overlooking Claude's own free tier). He further boasted that ChatGPT boasts more unpaid subscribers in Texas alone than Claude's nationwide total.
Despite Claude's relatively modest scale versus ChatGPT, Altman's strong reaction raises questions about underlying motivations. Typically, a market leader might dismiss smaller challengers, yet with competitors like Gemini and Perplexity gaining ground, Altman could be sensing increased pressure and redirecting it toward Anthropic.
This piece first appeared in our affiliated outlet PC för Alla, adapted and translated from its Swedish original.