OpenAI’s recent agreement with the Pentagon has triggered a major backlash, leading to a surge in ChatGPT uninstalls. According to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, uninstalls of the ChatGPT app in the U.S. spiked by 295% on February 28, following the announcement of the Department of Defense deal. Typically, the app records an average daily uninstall growth of about 9% over a 30-day period. Downloads also declined by 13% on February 28 and by an additional 5% on March 1.
In contrast, Anthropic’s Claude AI saw a 51% surge in users on February 28. The Claude app also claimed the No. 1 spot in the U.S. App Store’s productivity category, coinciding with the company’s announcement that it would not partner with the Pentagon.
User ratings for ChatGPT also reflect the backlash. One-star reviews jumped by 775% on February 28, and increased by 100% the following day, while five-star ratings dropped by 50%.
“Cancel ChatGPT” Movement
The OpenAI-Pentagon deal has sparked a “cancel ChatGPT” movement across social media. Users are not only uninstalling the app but also canceling paid subscriptions and sharing screenshots of their cancellations on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). Many are recommending alternatives, with Claude AI emerging as the preferred replacement for those concerned about ethical AI use and surveillance.
Sam Altman Provides Clarification
In response to the backlash, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed the concerns in an X post, clarifying the scope of the Pentagon deal. He stated that OpenAI’s AI systems will not be used for mass surveillance within the U.S. and will not be deployed by military intelligence agencies.
Altman cited the Fourth Amendment, the National Security Act of 1947, and the FISA Act of 1978, emphasizing that OpenAI will prohibit “deliberate tracking, surveillance, or monitoring of U.S. persons or nationals, including through the procurement or use of commercially acquired personal or identifiable information.” He further clarified that any use of OpenAI services by Department of War intelligence agencies, such as the NSA, would require a separate contract modification.
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