OpenAI Tracks Users Through ChatGPT Cookies
In brief
- OpenAI has introduced a new tracking mechanism using cookies to link user activity across websites.
- When you use ChatGPT, the platform generates a unique identifier stored in a cookie called __obi.
- This cookie is sent back to OpenAI whenever you visit any website that uses its advertising services.
- Advertisers can integrate OpenAI's code into their sites, allowing them to track what you do online and connect it to your ChatGPT account.
- For example, if you search for products or read articles on these sites, OpenAI can link this activity back to your account.
- The process involves three main steps: creating an identifier, setting a cookie, and transmitting data to OpenAI's servers.
- This setup lets advertisers track user behavior across different platforms, potentially affecting privacy and ad targeting.
- Moving forward, users should be aware of how their data is being collected and used by OpenAI and its partners.
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