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AI Chatbots: Ads vs. User Trust
18 Feb
Summary
- Perplexity is phasing out ads, citing user trust concerns.
- Some AI firms like OpenAI are testing ads for sustainability.
- Perplexity is exploring enterprise sales for revenue.

The debate over advertising in AI chatbots has intensified, with Perplexity announcing its decision to phase out ads. Executives from the AI search startup believe that displaying ads alongside chatbot responses could undermine user trust, a critical factor for retaining users and encouraging subscriptions. This strategic shift places Perplexity in alignment with competitors like Anthropic, which has strongly opposed ads in its AI assistant, Claude, arguing they prioritize engagement over genuine helpfulness.
While Perplexity is moving away from advertising, other major players like OpenAI have started testing ads in ChatGPT, aiming to make their free service financially sustainable. Google has also integrated ads into its AI features. Perplexity, however, is exploring alternative revenue streams. The company is reportedly expanding its enterprise sales team, targeting large businesses and professionals to build a more reliable income source without relying on advertising.




