OpenAI has rapidly transformed its business model by launching a pilot advertising program that achieved $100 million in annualized revenue within its first six weeks. While the company currently shows ads to less than a fifth of its daily free and "Go" users, it has already attracted over 600 advertisers and plans to expand testing into international markets. Although OpenAI maintains that these clearly labeled advertisements do not manipulate AI responses, industry experts express concern that the platform’s neutrality could shift as it prioritizes this lucrative new income stream. This strategic pivot is a key component of the company's aggressive goal to generate $17 billion in consumer revenue by 2026. Ultimately, the sources highlight a significant evolution in the AI landscape, signaling that ChatGPT is transitioning from a pure utility into a traditional, ad-supported media platform.