ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot, is back online after a global outage on Thursday left millions of users unable to access its services. The outage, which began shortly before 7 pm ET (5:30 am IST), affected not only ChatGPT but also OpenAI’s API and Sora services. Services were restored around 8 am IST, according to OpenAI.
Users attempting to log in during the outage were met with the message, “ChatGPT is currently unavailable.” OpenAI provided updates on X (formerly Twitter), said, “We have identified the issue and are working to roll out a fix.” By morning, the platform confirmed that services were back to normal.
Outage triggers frustration and memes
The downtime affected both free and paid users, leading to widespread frustration. Many users took to social media to express their inconvenience, with some sharing memes about the disruption. “ChatGPT is down. Now I have to Google like a cave man,” one user joked. Another wrote, “A lot of students won’t be able to do their essays now.”
Back-to-back disruptions
The disruption occurred after Meta platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook sustained outages for thousands of users globally on Wednesday, causing distress to millions of social media users.
Via X, OpenAI conveyed an update: “We’re experiencing an outage right now. We have identified the issue and are working to roll out a fix. Sorry and we’ll keep you updated!”
