ChatGPT uninstalls surged by 295% after DoD deal

ChatGPT experienced a 295% surge in U.S. uninstalls on February 28 following OpenAI's deal with the Department of Defense, contrasting with its usual 9% rate. In response, competitor Anthropic's Claude saw a significant rise in downloads, peaking at No. 1 in the U.S. App Store. Consumer backlash against ChatGPT led to a dramatic increase in negative reviews, while Claude's downloads soared 88%, surpassing ChatGPT.

Key Points

• On February 28, ChatGPT uninstalls surged by 295% following news of its DoD partnership.
• OpenAI's deal was perceived negatively, leading to a significant increase in 1-star reviews for ChatGPT.
• Conversely, Anthropic's Claude app downloads rose by 88%, overtaking ChatGPT and becoming the top free app.
• ChatGPT’s downloads dropped 13% on February 28 and continued to decline with a 5% fall the next day.
• The backlash reflects consumer concern that AI could be used for surveillance and autonomous weaponry.

Relevance

• This incident mirrors historical tensions surrounding military partnerships and AI ethics.
• In 2025, AI safety and ethical applications remain crucial themes as a large public concern.
• Consumer preferences are shifting towards companies that prioritize ethical standards in AI use.

The increased uninstalls of ChatGPT signify a notable consumer reaction to ethical concerns about AI applications, emphasizing the need for companies to consider public sentiment on military partnerships and surveillance in their business dealings.