One of the biggest AI engines in the world right now, ChatGPT, is facing some serious backlash after penning down a deal with the Pentagon. OpenAI has recently signed a deal with the US government to let the military use ChatGPT on secret networks. Many saw this as helping cruel government policies, like immigration crackdowns and wars.
After the decision was made public, ChatGPT was badmouthed across several social media platforms such as Reddit, Instagram, and X, with users even trying to hurt OpenAI financially by cancelling their paid subscription plans. Over 2.5 million people have called for an absolute boycott of the AI search engine, and the situation is looking completely unfavourable for OpenAI since signing a deal with the Pentagon.
Why is ChatGPT facing such hatred?
It all started with a video from the famous podcaster Scott Galloway that went viral across several social media platforms. Galloway urged his followers to stop using ChatGPT, even cancel their paid subscription, because of the company’s deal with the US government. Though the deal might not seem threatening at first glance, on closer look, several concerning issues pop up.
OpenAI’s military tie-up feels wrong because the military can use the AI for unethical acts. Users have also expressed concerns that ChatGPT can even be used to spy on the state’s subjects. The AI engine can also be used during wars and other tense international or national situations.
The situation became so intense that over 2.5 million users vowed to quit using the AI search engine. Though this number might seem tiny compared to ChatGPT’s 900 million users, after the campaign, rivals of ChatGPT, like Claude, climbed the app charts, posing a serious threat to OpenAI’s dominance.
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OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, admitted the Pentagon launch was too fast and tweaked some rules. Despite the big backlash, ChatGPT seems unbothered, but the growing threat of rivals gaining ground after the online hate campaign might be a concern for Altman and OpenAI.
It will be interesting to see which way the tide will turn and whether ChatGPT will be able to get back to being the most used and loved AI search Engine in the world, or the fire raging against them will burn down everything Sam Altman created. No matter what, one thing is for sure: OpenAI has to take more accountability in this matter and come up with a detailed and more convincing response.
