OpenAI Expands GPT Store And Custom Bots To Free Users Amidst Previous Policy Violations

OpenAI is now offering several features, that were previously exclusive to subscribers, to free users of ChatGPT. The most notable additions are access to the GPT Store for browsing and the use of custom bots.

The company launched its GPT Store for paid subscribers just four months ago, on January 10. This store allowed subscribers to create and share their own chatbots, known as GPTs.

OpenAI had also announced an engagement-based revenue sharing program for GPT builders, which began testing in March. However, the bots have had a limited audience due to being restricted to paying ChatGPT users.

Even with its restricted access, many of the GPTs created by the users had already violated OpenAI’s policies. For instance, the proliferation of 'AI Girlfriends' on the platform broke OpenAI’s ban on bots “dedicated to fostering romantic companionship”.

Similarly, Decode identified at least 8 chatbots in the GPT Store focused on elections in India that flouted OpenAI's policy prohibiting the use of its tech for political campaigns.