The binary positioning of OpenAI angered users, and the number of ChatGPT deletions increased fourfold

Increase in ChatGPT deletions and rise in Claude popularity after announcements of military partnerships

1. Decline in ChatGPT popularity

- In the United States, the number of daily uninstallations of the ChatGPT mobile app rose by 295 %.

- This happened immediately after OpenAI confirmed a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.

- According to Sensor Tower, the average daily increase in uninstallations over the last month was only 9 %.

2. Sharp rise in Claude downloads

- Within 24 hours of the partnership announcement, Anthropic’s Claude downloads increased by 37 %.

- The next day, when Anthropic announced its withdrawal from cooperation with the Pentagon, downloads rose another 51 %.

- The company explained the refusal by saying that the terms of the deal had not been agreed upon due to concerns about using its algorithms for citizen surveillance or autonomous weapons.

- Sensor Tower notes that some users support Anthropic’s position.

3. Impact on ChatGPT dynamics

- After the military agreement announcement, ChatGPT downloads fell: –13 % after one day and –5 % another day later.

- One day before the announcement, download numbers increased by 14 % compared to the previous day.

4. Claude’s position in the App Store

- Last Saturday, the app took first place among free apps and held that spot until Monday.

- Over a week, Claude climbed more than 20 positions in the rankings.

5. Public opinion

- Users are actively discussing OpenAI’s partnership with the Department of Defense on social media.

- On Saturday, the number of one‑star reviews for ChatGPT rose by 775 %, and on Sunday another 100 %.

- The number of five‑star ratings during the same period dropped by 50 %.

Thus, OpenAI’s announcement of military cooperation led to a sharp decline in ChatGPT’s popularity while simultaneously boosting interest in the alternative product Claude.