ChatGPT uninstalls surged by 295% after DoD deal | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Sarah Perez

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. saw a significant shift in app download trends following OpenAI’s announcement of its deal with the Department of Defense (DoD). ChatGPT’s mobile app faced a 295% surge in uninstalls on February 28, 2026, compared to previous days, as consumers reacted to concerns over potential military use of AI. Meanwhile, Anthropic’s rival chatbot, Claude, experienced a 37% increase in downloads on February 27 and a further 51% jump the following day after announcing it would not partner with the DoD due to ethical concerns about surveillance and autonomous weapons. The backlash against ChatGPT was evident in its download numbers, which dropped by 13% on February 28, shortly after the partnership news broke. By Sunday, downloads fell another 5%, marking a stark contrast from its previous growth trend of 14% day-over-day before the announcement. In response to these developments, Claude quickly climbed the App Store rankings, reaching No. 1 in the U.S. on February 29 and maintaining that position through March 2. This shift also extended internationally, with Claude topping charts in several countries including Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. The consumer reaction was further reflected in app reviews. ChatGPT saw a 775% surge in 1-star ratings on February 28, followed by a 100% increase the next day, while 5-star reviews plummeted by 50%. Anthropic’s decision to avoid DoD ties resonated with users, driving their preference for Claude. Data from multiple sources, including Sensor Tower and App

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 3/3/2026