OpenAI has temporarily disabled the "Browse with Bing" feature in its ChatGPT language model after users discovered a flaw that allowed them to access paywalled content. The decision to shut down the feature was made "out of an abundance of caution" and to address the concern of content owners. OpenAI acknowledged the issue and stated that they are actively working on fixing it to ensure compliance with paywall restrictions. The company aims to reinstate the beta feature as soon as possible.
The problem was first reported when several users found a way to bypass paywalls by using ChatGPT to extract the text from articles that were behind a paywall. OpenAI took swift action upon learning about this and made the decision to disable the Browse with Bing feature. The move was intended to protect the interests of content owners and respect paywall restrictions until a solution is implemented.
Windows Central, a popular technology news outlet, highlighted the issue, noting that users could prompt ChatGPT to display the text from paywalled articles. This discovery raised concerns about the potential misuse of paywalled content and prompted Bing's CEO to comment on the matter. He mentioned on Twitter that Bing Chat has measures in place to prevent paywalled content from leaking into answers and suggested that OpenAI should double-check their implementation.
OpenAI's response demonstrates its commitment to addressing the issue promptly and collaborating with stakeholders to rectify the situation. By disabling the feature temporarily, OpenAI aims to ensure that content owners' rights are protected and paywall restrictions are respected. The company appreciates the understanding and patience of its users while they work on resolving the problem.
The incident highlights AI models' challenges in navigating content access restrictions and respecting intellectual property rights. As AI technology advances, it becomes increasingly important to balance providing useful information and respecting the rights of content creators. OpenAI's decision to disable the feature showcases its responsible approach to addressing potential issues and maintaining the integrity of its language model.
Users who rely on ChatGPT's Browse with Bing feature may experience some inconvenience during this temporary suspension. However, OpenAI's commitment to rectifying the flaw and reinstating the feature reflects its dedication to providing a reliable and compliant service.
OpenAI has not provided a specific timeline for reactivating the Browse with Bing feature, but users can expect updates from the company as they work towards a resolution. In the meantime, OpenAI remains focused on ensuring its AI models' security, accuracy, and compliance to provide a trustworthy and valuable user experience.
Overall, OpenAI's response to the paywall content issue demonstrates its commitment to responsible AI development and its dedication to addressing potential concerns raised by users and content owners.
