SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI has allowed users to access its free-to-use ChatGPT generative AI chatbot without needing to sign up for the service, the Microsoft (MSFT.O)-backed startup said.
ChatGPT, which initiated the GenAI trend in late 2022, can simulate human conversation and execute various tasks such as summarizing lengthy texts, composing poetry, and brainstorming ideas for themed parties. The San Francisco-based company aims to gradually implement this feature to democratize AI for those intrigued by its capabilities.
Despite initially experiencing rapid growth, with a peak of 1.8 billion web visits in May 2023 according to Similarweb, the popular service has witnessed a slowdown. OpenAI has introduced additional safeguards for users accessing ChatGPT without registration, including the blocking of prompts and generations across various categories, though specifics were not provided.
In addition to the free version of ChatGPT, which operates offline, OpenAI offers paid options tailored for individuals, teams, and enterprises. The company also stated that user-provided content may be utilized to enhance its large-language models, although users have the option to disable this feature.
This development follows billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging a departure from the startup’s original mission of developing AI for the betterment of humanity rather than profit.
