OpenAI targets students
OpenAI launched its ChatGPT 26 student talent program while also preparing to show ads to U.S. users of free and 'Go' ChatGPT tiers — a push that mixes education outreach with commercial product changes. That combination raises fresh privacy and exposure questions for schools using ChatGPT in classrooms. (edtechinnovationhub.com) (thehindu.com)
OpenAI’s ChatGPT 26 initiative will spotlight exactly 26 student builders drawn from the United States and Canada, according to early program coverage. (edtechinnovationhub.com) Reporting on the rollout describes the cohort as focused on students actively building with AI and solving “real‑world” problems, positioning the effort as an early talent pipeline rather than a classroom curriculum announcement. (futureeducationmagazine.com) One report indicates the recruitment push is aimed roughly at the 18–25 age band and ties into broader hiring and talent‑pipeline moves by OpenAI this year. (mabumbe.com) OpenAI confirmed to Reuters that it will expand ads to all logged‑in U.S. users on the Free and Go ChatGPT tiers “in the coming weeks,” while stating paid tiers including Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Education will remain ad‑free. (thehindu.com) OpenAI’s ad playbook says tests began on February 9, 2026, the company integrated Criteo for ad buying and targeting this month, and ads will appear labelled at the bottom of answers with options to dismiss or learn why an ad was shown. (openai.com) Early advertisers and agencies involved in ChatGPT pilot tests reported measurement issues, with one brand’s click‑through rate cited at about 0.91% and critics pointing to high CPMs and incomplete conversion tracking during the pilot; major agencies WPP, Omnicom and Dentsu have been part of testing. (winbuzzer.com)
