TechCrunch Industry News Google DeepMind CEO ‘surprised’ OpenAI is rushing forward with ads in ChatGPT; plus Substack launched a TV app
Jan 22, 2026
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, reveals there's no pressure to introduce ads in AI chatbots, contrasting with OpenAI's plans to test ads for non-subscribers. He raises concerns about trust in chatbot interactions. Meanwhile, Substack launches a TV app to compete with platforms like YouTube, diving into video and livestreaming. However, some writers worry about a shift from long-form content as the focus expands to video.
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Ads Could Erode Assistant Trust
- Demis Hassabis warns ads can undermine trust in AI assistants if they interrupt personalized help.
- He says Google is watching user reactions and has no current plans to force ads into chatbots.
Chat Suggestions Felt Like Intrusive Ads
- Users reacted negatively when OpenAI surfaced app suggestions during chats because it degraded the experience.
- Hassabis contrasts chatbots with Search, noting assistants must act in users' best interests, not push content.
Make Personalization Transparent And Optional
- Let personalization be opt-in and transparent before using private data for responses.
- Use Gmail, Photos, and history only with clear user consent to make Gemini genuinely helpful.