OpenAI will finally let you use ChatGPT without an account — This isn’t an April Fools' gambit either, it’s just rolling out in waves
In Microsoft’s footsteps with Copilot, OpenAI will no longer require you to have an account to access ChatGPT.
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What you need to know
You can finallyuse ChatGPT without an account. OpenAI recently made the announcement indicating that the move will allow users to access the chatbot instantly without necessarily having to sign up. This makes it easier for users to experience the potential of AI.
We’re rolling out the ability to start using ChatGPT instantly, without needing to sign-up, so it’s even easier to experience the potential of AI. https://t.co/juhjKfQaoD pic.twitter.com/TIVoX8KFDBApril 1, 2024
However, you’ll still need an account if you want to leverage more sophisticated capabilities likeDALL-E 3 image generation technology. It’s possible that having an account to access ChatGPT might still be a requirement for some users, but this is because the change is rolling out in waves. OpenAI says this move is aimed at making generative AI “accessible to everyone curious about its capabilities.”
The company also indicated that it’ll use the data provided to ChatGPT by users to improve and enhance its models. However, it’s possible to disable this via the settings regardless of whether you have an account or not.
Additionally,ChatGPTnow features more content safeguards that are in place to block prompts and generations in a wider scope. OpenAI indicates that users stand to benefit more if they are using ChatGPT with an account, consequently listing “the ability to save and review your chat history, share chats, and unlock additional features like voice conversations and custom instructions,” as some of the advantages.
Is OpenAI subtly reverting to its founding mission?
As you may be aware, Elon Musk moved to court recently andfiled a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman. The entire lawsuit was based on OpenAI abandoning its founding mission and vision and choosing to go the for-profit way, having partnered with Microsoft. Musk wants the court to compel the AI startup to revert to its founding mission — making sure everyone can access AI capabilities for free.
It’s also worth noting thatyou don’t need a Microsoft Account to access Microsoft Copilot(formerly Bing Chat). However, the tool’s capabilities are fairly limited without an account. For instance, unauthenticated chats are limited to five turns per session, which is significantly lower than when you’re signed in with a Microsoft Account.
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Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.
