ChatGPT now knows what you do on other websites via ad collector (buchodi.com)

Article summary

OpenAI's ChatGPT uses a cookie called __obi to track user behavior on other websites, allowing the company to connect user activity on those sites to their ChatGPT account. This tracking mechanism is similar to those used by other companies like Facebook and Google. The cookie is set when a user visits ChatGPT and is sent to OpenAI when the user visits other websites that have installed OpenAI's ad code. The tracking is used for advertising purposes, but some users may be unaware of the extent of the tracking.

Main themes

• tracking cookies
• user privacy
• advertising
• AI assistants
• surveillance capitalism
• free market vs regulation
• tech ethics
• online advertising

What commenters say

• The tracking mechanism used by OpenAI is similar to those used by other companies, and some argue that it is no worse than what already exists.
• The use of tracking cookies for advertising purposes is a violation of user privacy and should be stopped.
• The fact that OpenAI is using this tracking mechanism on a product that is perceived as a trusted AI assistant is particularly problematic.
• Some argue that users who pay for a service should not be subject to tracking, while others believe that tracking is a necessary part of the business model.
• The use of tracking cookies is a tragedy of the commons, where individual companies prioritize their own interests over the well-being of users.
• Others argue that the tracking is not inherently bad and can be used to improve the advertising experience.
• The lack of transparency and control over tracking cookies is a major concern for users.
• Some believe that the development of tracking technologies is a natural consequence of the free market and that users should be aware of the trade-offs they make when using free services.