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OpenAI code red ChatGPT: Sam Altman pauses ads and shifts teams for speed and reliability

OpenAI code red ChatGPT refers to a company-wide initiative, detailed in a memo from CEO Sam Altman, to rapidly improve ChatGPT in response to competition from Google Gemini 3. The focus is on enhancing speed, reliability, and personalization, while delaying ads and other projects to prioritize core chatbot quality.

OpenAI code red ChatGPT: the memo

OpenAI code red ChatGPT is the new marching order inside OpenAI, according to multiple reports. The internal memo from CEO Sam Altman declares a company-wide “code red” to improve the chatbot quickly and decisively. It’s a Sam Altman code red moment, and the mandate is clear: make ChatGPT better now.

Timeline: OpenAI code red ChatGPT and Google Gemini 3

The memo surfaced on December 2, 2025, as coverage of Google Gemini 3 intensified. Reports say the timing underscores competitive pressure after Google Gemini 3 arrived recently. As of that date, OpenAI had not issued a public statement about the memo.

ChatGPT improvements: speed, reliability, personalization

Altman’s note centers on day-to-day quality. Priorities include faster responses, stronger reliability, and broader answer coverage. Crucially, the plan emphasizes ChatGPT personalization features. Those ChatGPT personalization features are meant to tailor outputs more closely to user needs while keeping accuracy front and center.

OpenAI delays ads, agents, Pulse

To concentrate resources, reports say OpenAI delays advertising during this push. The decision that OpenAI delays advertising is part of a broader pause on several efforts. Projects on hold include shopping and health agents and the OpenAI Pulse assistant. The OpenAI Pulse assistant is off the near-term roadmap while core work takes precedence.

Operational push: daily calls, team transfers

Here’s the twist, this isn’t just a product wish list. Altman outlined daily coordination calls for teams focused on improvements. He also encouraged temporary team transfers to speed delivery on critical ChatGPT work.

Why OpenAI code red ChatGPT now

What no one is mentioning, execution speed may decide the next phase of the chatbot race. The Sam Altman code red arrives as competition intensifies, especially following Google Gemini 3. The OpenAI code red ChatGPT push aims to protect leadership by fixing reliability and performance gaps before they widen.

OpenAI response so far

According to available reports, OpenAI did not immediately respond to media requests for comment. The company has been testing ad formats, but the current priority is clear, quality over expansion.

What’s next: updates and project delays

The OpenAI code red ChatGPT focus will continue while daily calls and team reallocations run. Expect incremental upgrades first, not flashy launches, and no public rollout timeline has been announced. The push concentrates talent on speed, reliability, and personalization while paused projects—including the OpenAI Pulse assistant—wait their turn.

Sources

  1. The Wall Street Journal: OpenAI’s Altman Declares ‘Code Red’ to Improve ChatGPT as Google Threatens AI Lead
  2. The Information: OpenAI CEO Declares ‘Code Red’ to Combat Threats to ChatGPT, Delays Ads Effort
  3. Reuters: OpenAI plans to improve ChatGPT and delay initiatives, such as advertising, The Information reports
  4. Associated Press: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declares ‘code red’ to improve ChatGPT amid rising competition in AI chatbots
  5. Financial Times: OpenAI’s Sam Altman declares ‘code red’ after rivals make advances
  6. The Verge: OpenAI declares ‘code red’ as Google catches up in AI race
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