Feedback on OpenAI’s Global Pricing and Accessibility Policy

ChatGPT Feature requests
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Hello OpenAI Developer Community,

This is my first post here, and I would like to share a topic that I believe could be relevant to many users. I recently contacted OpenAI Support and would like to open a constructive discussion about this issue with the community.

I have been working for over 24 years at an academic institution in Türkiye as an educator, as well as an academic contributor, reviewer, and editor in various publications. Recently, I have also been focusing on the increasing integration of AI methods such as ChatGPT into applications, analyzing their direct and indirect impacts on human life, and raising awareness on this topic through my research and observations.

Like many of you, I actively use ChatGPT, which is one of the most impactful platforms where we can observe the development of AI today. However, one of my concerns — and a point I raised with OpenAI Support — is that OpenAI’s current pricing and service model does not fully align with principles such as “Responsible AI” and “Global Accessibility.” As a result, this creates unintended barriers for users in certain countries.

Here are the main points I shared with the Support Team:

The success of AI models heavily relies on large and diverse datasets.
Due to economic disparities between countries and the significant differences in USD exchange rates (for instance, in my country, the current exchange rate makes USD nearly 40 times more valuable), accessing licensed AI tools such as ChatGPT becomes financially challenging.
Countries with such economic disadvantages often have large populations, and when those populations face barriers in accessing AI tools, it indirectly limits the diversity of the data feeding these AI systems (data diversity) and can affect the inclusiveness of the models.
I also highlighted that OpenAI could explore a more equitable pricing model that considers local purchasing power or regional economic conditions.

While OpenAI Support kindly acknowledged my feedback and noted that it would be shared internally, I believe there is room for more transparency regarding how such matters are reviewed and addressed.

I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on the following:

Are you experiencing similar pricing or accessibility challenges in your country?
What alternative solutions or strategies would you recommend for more balanced global access?
How could OpenAI enhance its approach to better address these global disparities?
Thank you in advance for your insights. As this is my first topic here, I would also be grateful for any tips or feedback regarding how I can engage better with the community.

Note: I can also share a summary or the full content of my correspondence with OpenAI Support if this is appropriate and helpful for the discussion.

Best regards,
Dr. Ufuk Tanyeri

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This is a very relevant subject, a technology that wants to reach a global level, it should reflect on what you are talking about, and I support you and I see it as a turning point for the real goal that AI can achieve.

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Thank you so much for your support!
I really appreciate your perspective, and I fully agree — addressing global accessibility and fairness in AI services is essential if we want AI to fulfill its true potential worldwide.

I’m also curious, do you see similar issues in your region or professional field regarding AI tools and pricing? I’d love to hear more about how others are affected.

Thanks again for engaging with this topic!

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It is our duty to engage in topics that appear relevant to others.
Your willingness to agree with and even appreciate this perspective demonstrates responsibility and maturity. It reflects a comprehensive mindset, not merely a technical one.

Regarding the topic of >! global accessibility and fairness in AI services !<
I believe we are now witnessing the emergence of the possibility to run LLMs locally. Time will tell whether this is a genuine shift or merely a smokescreen.

In my specific region Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. I have a habit of asking Uber drivers, when I feel comfortable doing so, whether they have ever used any of these tools. Regardless of age, the answer has consistently been the same: they’ve never used one.

That being said, I find it difficult to understand how a country that ranks among the highest globally in users of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook still shows such limited adoption of technologies like LLMs. I don’t know the reason behind this. Honestly, if WhatsApp were a paid service, I doubt it would have gained the same traction here in Brazil. Even when benefits are clear, there always seems to be a push for free alternatives.

It’s curious that most chatbots today offer at least basic access for free, and yet usage remains low. Perhaps it’s just a matter of time. Because of that, I cannot form a strong opinion yet. Even those working in advertising and marketing agencies still seem to use these tools in very basic ways.

There might be more traction in academic environments, though often not utilizing the full potential of the technology. Facebook also took time to catch on here as did WhatsApp. So we’ll see what happens. Only time will tell, at least in Brazil.

It’s a pleasure to discuss this topic.