ChatGPT ads coming to Netherlands next week as OpenAI expands across Europe

ChatGPT users in the Netherlands will begin seeing ads in the chatbot next week. OpenAI is rolling out its advertising program to 31 European markets, including the Netherlands, marking its largest expansion of ChatGPT Ads to date.

The move is intended to boost OpenAI’s revenue. “Advertising helps support our mission of making the best AI accessible to everyone by supporting free and affordable access to ChatGPT,” the company said.

Only people using the free version or the cheapest subscription plan will see ads. The move also gives marketers in Europe a new way to reach people at a moment when they are actively making decisions.

The advertising rollout will also cover Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Austria. OpenAI first began testing ads in the US in February before expanding the program to eight additional markets.

OpenAI says users’ ChatGPT conversations will remain private from advertisers and that it will not sell customer data. The company also says advertising will not affect the chatbot’s answers, while ads will be clearly identified.

The move represents a significant change in strategy for OpenAI as the company works toward a potential New York stock market listing. CEO Sam Altman has previously been critical of advertising, describing it as a “last resort” because he feared users would lose trust in a chatbot they believed was trying to sell them products.