July 5, 2023
OpenAI has temporarily removed ChatGPT’s Browse, a Bing-based search engine tool, after a flaw allowed users to access paywalled material without paying to the individual websites.
The functionality enabled users to access real-time information via Microsoft’s Bing search engine, allowing for more timely answers. However, concerns have been raised about the possible exploitation of this capability, notably in bypassing paywalls for paid content.
“We have discovered that the ‘ChatGPT Browse with Bing’ beta could sometimes showcase content in ways that don’t align with our intent,” OpenAI stated in its official announcement. “For instance, there have been instances where the feature might inadvertently fulfill a request for the full text of a URL.”
In a statement, OpenAI expressed its commitment to addressing the matter promptly and responsibly, stating, “As of July 3, 2023, we’ve disabled the Browse with Bing beta feature out of an abundance of caution while we fix this in order to do right by content owners.” The organization assured users that they are working diligently to reinstate the beta feature as soon as possible and expressed gratitude for their understanding during this time.
This move reportedly follows a wave of recent lawsuits against OpenAI, challenging copyright and privacy laws and pressure from copyright holders.
The sources for this piece include an article in WindowsCentral.
