OpenAI has announced significant changes to its privacy policy, allowing it to use cookies to promote its services on other websites. This move is part of an effort to expand its advertising network and potentially convert free users into paying customers.

The change affects only those using the platform for free; conversations remain private and are not shared with marketing partners. However, data collected during interactions can now be used off-platform for targeted ads, suggesting a shift in how OpenAI views user engagement beyond just chat sessions.

Despite assurances that personal conversation details will not be shared, some may find the implications concerning. WIRED found that marketing settings were 'on' by default for free users, raising questions about consent and transparency.

The new policy also clarifies that OpenAI shares limited identifiers with select marketing partners to improve ad relevance and measure their effectiveness. Users can opt-out of this tracking in app settings; however, the default setting suggests some degree of pre-set preferences.