The AI assistant Claude has surged to the top of the free app rankings on Apple's US App Store, overtaking ChatGPT. This follows a major controversy after its creator, Anthropic, refused a US Department of Defense request to use its models for mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons.
In response, the Trump administration ordered all federal agencies to stop using Anthropic's products. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to designate the company a supply-chain threat. Hours later, OpenAI announced its own agreement with the Pentagon, a move that has sparked widespread debate over AI ethics and privacy.
Record User Growth for Anthropic
According to Anthropic, the political fallout has driven record user adoption. Daily signups have hit all-time highs, free users have jumped by more than 60% since January, and paid subscribers have more than doubled this year. For many, the controversy has made Claude a compelling ethical alternative.
How to Transfer Your Data from ChatGPT
Users switching from ChatGPT can transfer their data to avoid losing their digital memory. One method is to export an entire chat history via Settings > Data Controls > "Export Data", which compiles records into text or JSON files sent via email. For larger histories, this process may take considerable time.
Alternatively, users can manually copy key conversations or ask ChatGPT to summarise main preferences and custom instructions. Lauren, a TechCrunch reporter covering media and platforms, confirmed these steps are effective for data portability.
Importing Context into Claude
Once data is gathered, transferring it to Claude requires a Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise plan to enable the Memory feature. Users should go to Settings > Capabilities to activate it. In a new conversation, a prompt like “Here’s some important context I’d like you to remember” followed by pasted information will update Claude's memory.
For exported chat files, it is recommended to ask Claude to review and summarise key preferences rather than pasting raw logs. Users should then verify the information has been saved accurately.
Closing a ChatGPT Account Completely
To make a complete break, simply canceling a ChatGPT subscription does not remove user data. Account closure procedures must be followed through the platform's official settings to ensure data deletion.
The shift underscores growing user sensitivity to AI ethics. The parallel announcement of a Paramount+ and HBO Max merger, alongside tech worker protests against the Anthropic supply-chain label, highlights the intersecting debates on technology, corporate power, and government contracts defining the current landscape.