OpenAI has upgraded Deep Research in ChatGPT. The feature now runs on the new GPT-5.2 model, as OpenAI announced on X. A key addition is that users can connect apps to ChatGPT and—potentially very useful—search specific websites. The search progress can also be tracked in real time, interrupted with questions, or supplemented with new sources. Results can now be displayed as full-screen reports.

Until now, Deep Research—which launched in 2025—ran on o3 and o4 mini models. OpenAI considers it the first "AI agent" in ChatGPT, since the system independently kicks off multi-stage web searches based on the user's query before generating a response.

That said, even web searches don't protect against generative AI errors, and the longer the generated text, the higher the risk of mistakes. In everyday use, targeted search queries with capable reasoning models are often more reliable. Web search significantly reduces hallucination rates overall, but doesn't eliminate them.

OpenAI is rolling out ads in ChatGPT for users in the United States. The test targets logged-in adult users on the free and "Go" tiers. Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education plans remain ad-free. Free-tier users can opt out of advertising, but doing so reduces their daily message allowance.

OpenAI says the decision comes down to high infrastructure costs. The company stresses that ads don't influence ChatGPT's responses, and conversations stay private. Which ad a user sees depends on the conversation topic, previous chats, and interactions.

Users under 18 won't see any ads, and ads won't appear around sensitive topics like health or politics. Users can hide individual ads, delete their ad data, and adjust personalization settings. Advertisers get aggregated performance statistics but have no access to chat logs or personal data, OpenAI says.

What will always remain true: ChatGPT’s answers remain independent and unbiased, conversations stay private, and people keep meaningful control over their experience.

Putting ads in chatbots is controversial, since the potential for manipulation is greater than with traditional search engines. OpenAI says it will keep ads clearly separated from content. Long term, the company plans to roll out additional ad formats.

OpenAI is working with Abu Dhabi-based G42 on a custom ChatGPT for the UAE, Semafor reports. The version will speak the local Arabic dialect and may include content restrictions. One source said the UAE wants the chatbot to project a political line consistent with the monarchy's. Global ChatGPT will stay available but adapted to local laws, notifying users when content violates regulations. OpenAI is fine-tuning rather than retraining to cut costs.

G42 is led by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan—the UAE President's brother, National Security Advisor, and head of the largest sovereign wealth fund. The companies have been partners since October 2023.

These adaptations show AI models are cultural products as much as technical tools. Generated content flows into every corner of society, and even small changes to cultural narratives can have lasting effects; which is why both China and the US are working to control their AI models' output to shape domestic conversations and spread their worldviews abroad.