OpenAI has deactivated the web-browsing feature of ChatGPT, titled Browse with Bing, due to instances of misuse by its users.
In a recent announcement, OpenAI acknowledged that the ChatGPT Browse beta occasionally presents content in unintended ways. According to OpenAI’s statement on Monday, they explained, We have discovered that the ChatGPT Browse feature can sometimes exhibit content presentation methods that are not aligned with our intentions.
One example mentioned by OpenAI involves ChatGPT Plus subscribers requesting the complete text of a URL. In such cases, ChatGPT would respond with the entire content, allowing users to bypass paywalls and privacy settings.
ChatGPT Plus subscribers enjoy access to exclusive features not available to free users, including the more advanced GPT-4, Browse with Bing, and the GPT-4 Plugin Store.
OpenAI stated, As of July 3, 2023, we have temporarily disabled the Browse with Bing beta feature as a precautionary measure while we rectify this situation to uphold the rights of content owners.
Back in February, Microsoft, which has invested over $13 billion in OpenAI, integrated ChatGPT into its Bing Browser. In March, OpenAI introduced GPT-4, and browsing capabilities were added to the chatbot in May.
Although Browse with Bing has been disabled by OpenAI, certain GPT-4 plugins still allow users to instruct the chatbot to read URLs and PDFs and ask questions about the content within the provided links.
A disgruntled ChatGPT Plus user expressed their dissatisfaction on OpenAI’s forum, stating, It appears that OpenAI is acting against the interests of paying ChatGPT Plus users. Are they now taking away the Browsing feature simply because it reads the content of the requested site? That’s precisely why I am a paying Plus subscriber!
OpenAI did not provide a specific timeline for the reactivation of Browse with Bing but assured users that they are working diligently to reinstate the feature as soon as possible.
OpenAI expressed gratitude towards ChatGPT Plus subscribers who participated in testing the browsing feature, highlighting the value of their feedback during the beta phase. OpenAI tweeted, We greatly appreciate the assistance of ChatGPT Plus subscribers in testing the browsing functionality. This is precisely why we commenced with a beta phase—we have gained immensely valuable insights, learned a great deal, and will reintroduce the feature in the near future.
As of now, OpenAI has not responded to Decrypt’s request for comment.
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