OpenAI updated its privacy policy on May 11, 2026 to explicitly authorize the collection and use of advertiser data from partners and to create a new ad personalization purpose for Free and Go users. The policy previously described ad effectiveness measurement without explicitly stating that OpenAI receives purchase information from advertisers or that it personalizes ads based on this data. The updated language now discloses these practices and provides Free and Go users with account settings to control ad personalization.
The updated policy now explicitly discloses that OpenAI receives information from advertisers and data partners, including details about purchases you make, and uses this data to personalize ads shown to Free and Go users. Previously, the policy referenced ad effectiveness measurement without disclosing the specific source (advertiser data) or the personalization component. Under the revised terms, Free and Go users can use advertising controls in account settings to control what data OpenAI uses to personalize ads. You can access these controls through your OpenAI account settings to adjust ad personalization.
The updated policy establishes explicit disclosure of a data practice that was previously implied but not directly stated. Free and Go users now have transparent notice that advertiser-provided purchase data is collected and used to personalize ads, and OpenAI provides a mechanism to control this practice through account settings. This increases disclosure completeness and user control authority.
→ Access advertising controls in your OpenAI account settings to review and adjust what data is used to personalize ads
→ Review the 'Learn more about ads on our services' link provided in the policy for additional detail on ad personalization practices
→ Advertiser data including purchase information will be used to personalize ads shown to you on OpenAI services unless you adjust your advertising controls
→ Without reviewing the advertising controls, you will not have visibility into or ability to adjust the data used for ad personalization
This is the 2nd significant Advertising Use Expansion change OpenAI has made since ConductAtlas began monitoring.
ConductAtlas has recorded 4 material changes to this document (since April 2026). An additional minor or cosmetic changes were excluded.
2 of OpenAI's significant changes have been classified as negative for consumers.
Policy now explicitly states OpenAI receives information from advertisers including purchase data and uses it for ad personalization on Free and Go services
Free and Go users can access advertising controls in account settings to control what data is used to personalize ads
This change record describes what was added, removed, or modified in the document. Analysis reflects what the updated agreement states or permits. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Applicability may vary by jurisdiction. Methodology
OpenAI added explicit language disclosing the receipt and use of advertiser-provided data (including purchase information) for ad personalization on Free and Go tiers. The policy previously mentioned ad effectiveness assessment without disclosing advertiser data receipt or explicit personalization practices. This change increases transparency around a data flow that may implicate FTC advertising substantiation requirements and state privacy laws (CCPA, CPRA, and similar regimes). Organizations that distribute OpenAI Free or Go to customers may need to evaluate whether their own privacy disclosures adequately reflect this upstream data practice and whether any contractual controls are needed.
FTC Act Section 5 (unfair or deceptive practices); CCPA/CPRA (California); GDPR (if EU users access free tier); state privacy laws with ad personalization disclosure requirements
Full compliance analysis
Obligation analysis, escalation trigger, board language, and recommended action.
Monitor: regulatory citations + obligations. Compliance: full compliance memo.
ConductAtlas provides verified policy intelligence sourced directly from platform documents. All analysis is intended to support, not replace, legal and compliance review. Record CA-C-001990.
See the full side-by-side comparison of every sentence added, removed, and modified.
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872 provisions across 8 AI platforms. The terms your AI provider sets become the terms your product operates under.
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