ChatGPT started to show ads to Slovenian users

ChatGPT has begun displaying advertisements to users in Slovenia, marking a new phase in its expansion across Europe. The popular chatbot, which became widely used from late August 2026, started showing ads to Slovenian users beginning on August 24, 2026. This move follows OpenAI’s initial testing of ad display in the United States since February 2026. The company expanded the feature to 31 European countries, including Slovenia, after evaluating its effectiveness in the US market. The advertisements appear to users who have opted for the free version of ChatGPT or the Go plan, which costs 8 euros per month in Slovenia. Users with higher-tier plans, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu, do not see the ads. Additionally, minors under the age of majority are excluded from receiving advertisements. Those who wish to avoid ads can opt for the free version without ads, though this option comes with reduced functionality and lower usage limits. Ad placements within the chat interface are clearly marked as sponsored content, visually distinct from regular responses. Each advertisement includes the name of the advertiser, a title, a brief description, a link to the target website, and visual elements. OpenAI ensures that advertisers cannot influence the content of the chatbot's responses. Instead, ads are selected based on the context of the conversation, user location, and device type. Regarding data privacy, OpenAI states that personalized advertising based on past conversations is not currently available in the European Economic Area or Switzerland. Such features would require explicit user consent. Furthermore, OpenAI confirms that it does not share or sell conversation contents with advertisers. Advertisers receive only aggregated performance metrics, such as impressions and clicks, without access to individual user data. In Slovenia, advertising through ChatGPT is initially accessible primarily via partner agencies and technology partners. Independent campaign management is expected to become available later. For businesses and advertisers interested in understanding how this expansion affects their marketing strategies, detailed insights can be found on Kabijev’s portal. OpenAI also provides official information on its platform for advertisers. Separately, OpenAI has launched a specialized version of ChatGPT tailored for teenagers, known as ChatGPT for Teens. This version includes enhanced safety measures designed to make the experience safer for younger users. It restricts discussions around self-harm and suicide, avoids generating sexualized content, and prevents the AI from pretending to be a romantic partner. The tool encourages step-by-step guidance for solving homework and learning tasks rather than simply providing answers. Parents can monitor usage through profiles, setting quiet hours and receiving alerts during potentially risky interactions. While the teen-focused version aims to responsibly introduce young users to artificial intelligence, some users argue that the approach reflects a shift toward guided engagement over outright restrictions. A commenter noted that the change represents a more thoughtful strategy compared to outright bans. Others suggest that the system might eventually require identity verification using government documents, similar to policies in other platforms aimed at protecting minors. Despite these developments, some users remain skeptical about the effectiveness of such measures. Some propose alternative solutions, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass regional restrictions. Meanwhile, others speculate that the introduction of a youth-specific version could open new markets for products targeted at younger demographics. As the landscape continues to evolve, both the general and teen versions of ChatGPT will likely shape future discussions on digital ethics and user safety.