OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT ads, blocks legal services; agencies get source‑selection guidance

OpenAI has moved its experimental advertising program into a public beta, launching self‑serve sponsored placements inside the ChatGPT app. The ads appear as clearly labelled units beneath a response and are matched to the conversation topic. The pilot initially covers consumer categories such as lifestyle, travel and digital education, while legal‑service ads are prohibited. Law firms may only run ads that offer general legal education without promoting representation, and they cannot purchase placements at this time. OpenAI plans to extend the test to the United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Japan and South Korea.

Separately, agencies looking to influence how ChatGPT cites information are advised to optimise source attributes. Recommendations include using reputable domains, ensuring recent publication dates, balancing peer‑reviewed studies with industry reports, and diversifying geographic perspectives. Emphasising authors with clear subject‑matter authority and maintaining consistent citation styles can improve the likelihood that ChatGPT draws from trusted material.