Though ChatGPT has been in the spotlight for quite some time, recent reports reveal that the highly popular chatbot is now facing widespread backlash. Thousands of ChatGPT users seem to be cancelling their paid subscriptions.
Many users claim that this decision goes beyond product performance or software updates. So, what actually happened? Here is a closer look at what went wrong.
The outrage happened after OpenAI President Greg Brockman and his wife each donated US$12.5 million to a super PAC supporting President Donald Trump. Activists also pointed out that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement uses ChatGPT-4 to screen resumes.
Many users have now quit ChatGPT. The cancellation of subscriptions started online, with scattered users expressing their frustration. It quickly formed into an anti-ChatGPT campaign, ‘QuitGPT.’ The organizers protest with their wallets, aiming to cancel all premium subscriptions of ChatGPT.
As reported by QuitGPT organisers, more than 17,000 people have signed up on their website. These users pledge to stop using ChatGPT and cancel their subscription. The protesters are also trying to spread the campaign by bringing more people into this community.
Also read: How to Delete Your ChatGPT Account: Simple Account Removal Guide
As per reports, the movement includes labor advocates, young activists, tech workers, and climate organizers. A recent Instagram post showcasing the campaign got millions of views. Some viewers have expressed their concern about the rapport between the Trump rule and large technology firms.
"QuitGPT” was inspired by a viral video posted by marketing professor Scott Galloway. He strongly believed that cancelling subscriptions could be an act of protest, sending a message that critics oppose. He mainly meant the companies that support government policies. Galloway is involved in another movement, 'Resist and Unsubscribe,' that aims to make users cancel payments to major tech platforms.
Reportedly, as of December 2025, ChatGPT had nearly 900 million weekly active users. It remains unclear how many users have joined the anti-ChatGPT community. Several analysts have pointed out that consumer campaigns often struggle to effect change. Their results have an impact only when the public comes forward in large numbers to support the boycott.
Also read: OpenAI Fires Policy Executive Ryan Beiermeister for Opposing ChatGPT Adult Mode