ChatGPT no longer requires an account — but there’s a catch
OpenAI is expanding access to its flagship conversational AI to everyone, including those who haven’t created an account. However, the experience won’t be identical, and interactions will still contribute to the AI’s training data unless users choose to opt out.
Beginning today in select markets and gradually rolling out worldwide, visitors to chat.openai.com will no longer be prompted to log in, although they still have the option to do so. Instead, users will be immediately engaged in conversation with ChatGPT, utilizing the same model as logged-in users.
While users can chat freely, it’s important to note that this version lacks certain features available to account holders, such as the ability to save or share conversations or use custom instructions.
Nevertheless, users retain the choice to opt out of having their conversations used for training purposes, though this option potentially undermines the primary motivation behind OpenAI’s decision. To do so, users can click the small question mark icon in the lower right corner, then navigate to “settings” and disable the feature.
Additionally, this unrestricted version of ChatGPT will implement “slightly more restrictive content policies.” While the specifics of these policies remain unclear, OpenAI assures that existing safety measures within the model will be supplemented with additional safeguards tailored for this context.
Regarding concerns about potential misuse and abuse of the model, OpenAI has provided vague assurances, stating that measures to detect and prevent abuse have been integrated into the design and implementation process. However, concrete details on these measures are lacking, suggesting a reactive approach to potential challenges.
It remains unclear which regions or demographics will gain access to this version of ChatGPT initially, but the rollout begins today. Interested individuals are encouraged to check regularly for updates on availability.
