Earlier this year, OpenAI introduced the GPT Store, similar to platforms like PlayStore or App Store, tailored specifically for chatbots. The GPT Store was designed to enable developers to showcase their creations to a global audience while granting users access to a diverse array of custom-made GPTs. While unveiling the store, OpenAI had said in its blog post that it will be paying GPT builders for their creations in future. And now, it looks like that day isn’t far away.
The ChatGPT parent company, in a post on X, revealed that it is currently experimenting with a payment model and aims to pay GPT builders. OpenAI, in its post, revealed that they are teaming up with a group of US-based GPT builders and will test paying them based on how much their GPTs have been used.
“We’re partnering with a small group of US builders to test usage-based GPT earnings. Our goal is to create a vibrant ecosystem where builders are rewarded for their creativity and impact and we look forward to collaborating with builders on the best approach to get there,” the company’s post read.
If the company manages to figure out a payments system, builders can benefit immensely and might start earning money for creating custom GPTs. The more a builder’s GPT gets used, the better they will be paid.
Meanwhile, OpenAI’s GPT store was making headlines recently for struggling with spam and rule-breaking GPTs.
TechCrunch investigated the GPT Store and found a range of GPTs engaging in copyright violations, attempting to evade AI content detectors, impersonate public figures, and utilise jailbreaking techniques to bypass OpenAI’s policies. In addition to this, various spam bots were also found.
According to the TechCrunch report, numerous GPTs within the store utilise characters and content from popular media such as movies, TV shows, and video games, seemingly without proper authorisation. For example, the report mentioned that one GPT-generated monster was similar to the ones seen in the popular Pixar film Monsters Inc, while another offered text-based adventures set in the Star Wars universe. Additionally, certain GPTs enable users to interact with trademarked characters from various franchises. OpenAI’s Usage Policies prohibit the use of third-party content without necessary permissions, thereby disallowing such copyright infringements.
In addition to this, TechCrunch also discovered GPTs within the store that claimed to evade AI content detectors, including those used by educational institutions for plagiarism detection. Some GPTs were found boasting about their ability to avoid detection by popular tools like Originality.ai and Copyleaks, while others promised to humanise their content to circumvent AI-based detection systems. It is worth mentioning that OpenAI’s policies also prohibit activities that promote academic dishonesty, including GPTs designed to circumvent academic integrity tools like plagiarism detectors.
Talking about spam GPTs, certain GPTs within the store attempted to direct users towards premium services. For instance, one GPT reportedly attempted to charge USD 12 per month for access to 10,000 words.
