OpenAI denies rolling out ads on ChatGPT paid plans

Users observed ChatGPT Plus showing a Target shopping recommendation during an unrelated BitLocker query, sparking claims that OpenAI introduced ads; an OpenAI executive said these are app recommendations from pilot partners designed to appear organically, with plans to open app submissions and an app directory. Despite the explanation, the experience still feels like advertising to many users, and the piece briefly notes the broader context of security considerations as MCP-connected tools grow.