Users are rapidly deleting ChatGPT from their devices, with removals skyrocketing by 295% following OpenAI’s decision to deploy its technology on the classified network of the US Department of Defense. According to Sensor Tower, uninstallations of ChatGPT’s mobile app in the US surged by 295% on Saturday, February 28, right after news of the collaboration with the Pentagon surfaced. This spike contrasts with the app’s average daily uninstall rate of 9% over the past month.
On February 28, one-star reviews for the app surged by 775% and further increased by 100% on March 1. In the same timeframe, five-star reviews decreased by 50%, as reported by Sensor Tower. Additionally, mobile app deletions almost tripled in just one day.
Per a TechCrunch report, data indicates that consumers are leaning towards rival AI firm Anthropic, which declined a similar agreement with the Pentagon due to concerns regarding mass surveillance and autonomous weaponry. US downloads for Anthropic’s Claude surged by 37% on Friday, February 27, and by 51% on Saturday, February 28. The app claimed the top spot on the US Apple App Store on Saturday and maintained its position as of Monday, March 2. On Saturday, Claude’s daily US downloads surpassed those of ChatGPT for the first time, according to Appfigures analytics.
Meanwhile, ChatGPT’s downloads dropped by 13% on Saturday, February 28, and continued to decline on Sunday, March 1, reversing a 14% growth trend from the day before the partnership announcement.
An online movement named QuitGPT has been gaining momentum, urging users to terminate their ChatGPT subscriptions. The campaign, which alleges that over 1.5 million users have joined the boycott, declares on its platform: “ChatGPT embraces Trump’s deadly robot agreement. It’s time to cease.” The boycott advises users to discontinue ChatGPT usage and transition to alternatives such as Google’s Gemini or Anthropic’s Claude.