OpenAI is making ChatGPT, its flagship conversational chat AI, accessible to everyone without requiring an account. Instead of logging in with an account, you’ll be able to start chatting right away with ChatGPT while using the same model as logged-in users.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
There are limitations for this open access. You won’t have all the features available to account holders including saving or sharing chats or using custom instructions. The good news is that you can still opt-out of your chats being used for training. To opt-up, click on the question mark and disable the feature.
In addition, there’s now an extra-free version of ChatGPT with slightly more restrictive content policies. OpenAI says it has implemented additional safeguards to prevent harmful content generation. The safeguards are detailed nor what these more restrictive policies exactly entail. OpenAI acknowledges the need for refinement and feedback especially considering the potential for user abuse and misuse. They are also considering how to detect and prevent this kind of misuse.
TF Summary: What’s Next
The rollout will be gradual and it’s unclear which areas or groups will receive access first. We encourage you to check regularly to identify if you’ve been granted access. Overall, OpenAI is democratizing access to its AI chat service. This is a gift for new users, but questions remain on how users use and/or misuse it. Time will demonstrate the company’s oversight of potential misuse.