OpenAI has introduced a new feature that enables users to interact with ChatGPT via WhatsApp, significantly enhancing the accessibility of the AI chatbot.

Users are allowed 15 minutes of free usage each month, with the service limited to U.S.-based phone numbers for calls.

Concerns regarding privacy have emerged, particularly about the potential for conversations to be recorded and stored by OpenAI, raising questions about data security.

To address ethical considerations, OpenAI has implemented safety measures to filter inappropriate content and protect user privacy during interactions.

Despite advancements, businesses still face challenges with AI reliability, as these systems can confuse facts and misunderstand user requests.

OpenAI's chief product officer noted that the WhatsApp expansion was rapidly developed during a hack week, reflecting the team's enthusiasm and commitment.

It's important to note that ChatGPT's knowledge base for this WhatsApp service is current only until October 2023.

The company views this WhatsApp feature as a potential revenue generator, aiming to support its ongoing operations.

However, the substantial energy and financial costs associated with training AI models continue to raise concerns about the environmental impact of such technologies.

As OpenAI leads in user-facing large language models, big tech companies are heavily investing in AI training, indicating a competitive landscape.

This launch is reminiscent of Google's earlier initiative, GOOG-411, a free voice directory service that operated from 2007 to 2010, showcasing the evolving landscape of AI interaction.

In the broader context of AI development, researchers at Meta and Stanford University are working on the Apollo family of video understanding models, highlighting the ongoing evolution of AI capabilities.