TechCrunch Daily Crunch ChatGPT users are about to get hit with targeted ads
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Jan 17, 2026 A hacker has invaded U.S. court systems, publicly sharing sensitive data, raising serious privacy concerns. Meanwhile, Canada is slashing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, paving the way for increased competition. OpenAI is set to experiment with targeted ads for ChatGPT users, blurring lines for free and paid services. Additionally, a new deal between Symbolic.ai and News Corp aims to enhance newsroom efficiency using AI technology.
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Court Hacker Posted Victims' Data Publicly
- Hacker Nicholas Moore pleaded guilty for repeatedly breaching multiple U.S. government systems and posting victims' data online.
- He used stolen authorized credentials to access Supreme Court, AmeriCorps, and VA records and published some data.
Canada Lowers Tariffs On Chinese EVs
- Canada cut its 100% tariff on Chinese EVs to 6.1%, allowing brands like BYD and Xiaomi to enter the market.
- Imports are initially capped and will ramp slowly to manage market impact.
How To Avoid ChatGPT Ad Targeting
- Turn off personalization if you want to avoid targeted ads inside ChatGPT conversations.
- Dismiss ads and use paid tiers if you prefer an ad-free experience.