OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded strongly to a Super Bowl ad campaign launched by rival AI company Anthropic, calling the commercials “clearly dishonest” even though he admitted they were funny at first.
The ads, which aired during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, satirically mocked the idea of AI chatbots interrupting conversations with intrusive product advertisements—suggesting that ChatGPT could behave that way once ads arrive on the platform.
What the Ads Showed
Anthropic’s campaign included several creative spots, including one where a fictional AI assistant abruptly shifts from helpful advice to promoting random products. The ads concluded with the message:
“Ads are coming to AI. But not to Claude.”
Although the commercials did not name ChatGPT or OpenAI directly, industry observers saw the message as a clear jab at OpenAI’s decision to test advertising on free and lower-tier plans.
Altman’s Reaction
Altman took to X (formerly Twitter) to push back against the tone and implications of the ads. He wrote that they were “funny and I laughed,” but also that he found them “clearly dishonest” for portraying a scenario that, in his view, does not reflect OpenAI’s real advertising plans.
He argued that OpenAI would never run ads in the intrusive way shown in the commercials. Altman added that ChatGPT’s policy is to keep any promotions separate and clearly labeled so they do not disrupt conversations.
Broader Rivalry Highlights
Altman also criticized Anthropic’s business approach, claiming the rival serves “an expensive product to rich people” while OpenAI works to provide broader access to AI tools globally. In his post, Altman emphasized that free access helps users who cannot afford subscriptions.
The exchange highlights how competition between AI firms is extending beyond technical performance into marketing strategy and public perception, especially as tech companies seek to differentiate their platforms.
What Comes Next
As the AI industry evolves, debates over advertising, user experience, and business models are likely to intensify. Altman’s response underscores that leaders in the field are sensitive to how public messaging shapes trust and platform identity.
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