ChatGPT uninstalls surged by 295% after DoD deal (techcrunch.com)

Following OpenAI's announcement of a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, ChatGPT's mobile app experienced a staggering 295% spike in uninstalls on February 28, a dramatic increase from its typical 9% rate. This surge in discontent among users came as many responded negatively to the notion of AI being utilized for military purposes. In contrast, rival Anthropic's app, Claude, saw its downloads soar by 37% on February 27 and a remarkable 51% on February 28 after they opted not to engage with the DoD, citing ethical concerns over potential misuse in surveillance and autonomous weaponry. This situation illustrates a significant shift in consumer sentiment within the AI community as users increasingly prioritize ethical considerations in technology. As ChatGPT’s downloads dropped 13% on the day of the announcement, shifting their app store ranking downward, Claude not only claimed the top spot in the U.S. but also in several other countries. The rapid changes in app performance and user reviews, with 1-star ratings for ChatGPT surging 775%, underline a growing demand for ethical AI practices, prompting a re-evaluation of partnerships that align technology with public values.