ChatGPT expands into an AI business portal, bringing companies on board to target the search and shopping markets [Global AI Briefing]

[Financial News] A dedicated space has been created within ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) service, where businesses can set up shop, showcase their products and services, and communicate directly with consumers. Unlike conventional workplace AI tools for tasks such as drafting documents and organizing data, the new service enables companies to conduct business directly using ChatGPT—for example, by opening online stores and receiving and handling consumer complaints.
OpenAI is seen as making a full-fledged entry into the online business arena long dominated by Google Search and online shopping platforms, as it positions itself as an AI business portal that enables people to launch new ventures using AI.
On the 10th (local time), OpenAI unveiled the Business Hub, a dedicated space for businesses, and Business Agents, AI agents for individual companies.

The Business Hub is a space where companies can set up shop on ChatGPT by registering and managing their company profiles and product and service information.
When consumers search for a particular product or service on ChatGPT, a company's official information may be used in the response. Companies can also see data such as how often their information is mentioned in ChatGPT responses and how many visits are directed to their websites.
OpenAI also outlined its privacy safeguards, saying, “Conversations between a company’s AI agent and consumers are separate from regular ChatGPT conversations,” and, “We do not provide companies with the content of individual users’ conversations; we provide them only with aggregated information that meets certain criteria.”
Business Agents are AI agents operated directly by companies.
For example, if a consumer asks ChatGPT to recommend a laptop, they can compare several products and then continue the conversation with the AI agent of a company they are interested in. Based on product information provided by the company and its own instructions, the agent explains product features and prices, service terms, and more.
In effect, companies are placing a virtual salesperson inside ChatGPT to introduce products directly to customers and respond to their inquiries.
OpenAI says Business Agents will initially be available to eligible e-commerce and online service businesses in the United States.
By unveiling the Business Hub and Business Agents, OpenAI is moving to expand ChatGPT from a tool that boosts corporate productivity into a new sales and marketing platform that helps companies acquire external customers and promote their products.
As OpenAI unveiled its strategy to expand into full-fledged commerce, shifts are expected in the online business landscape, where companies have so far directed consumers to their own websites or online stores through Google search ads and search engine optimization (SEO).
[email protected] Lee Gu-sun Reporter