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