Thousands of users faced disruptions on March 25, 2025, when ChatGPT and the Sora apps experienced a significant outage that left many unable to access the services.
Reports started flooding in around 9 AM ET, reaching a peak where over 1,500 users in the U.S. and nearly 500 in the UK filed complaints to Downdetector, a site that monitors service interruptions. By approximately 11 AM ET, the volume of reports began to decrease, suggesting that the issue, which lasted about three hours, was on its way to being resolved.
According to the data from Downdetector, 99% of the outage reports were related specifically to ChatGPT, showcasing the platform's global reach and popularity. OpenAI has since acknowledged the issue on its status page and is currently investigating the cause of the outage.
As users struggled to access the platform, many took to social media to express their frustration and amusement. One user lamented, "ChatGPT is down wait I can’t breathe,” while another quipped, “Is ChatGPT down during a 9-5 on a Monday??” Such sentiments painted a picture of how integral the platform has become to daily tasks for many.
Other social media users reacted by encouraging offline activities, suggesting, "Put that chatgpt down n read a book, talk to a friend, find a therapist, literally do anything else.” While these comments were light-hearted, they underscored a common concern: how much people rely on digital tools in their workflows.
Post-outage, the situation appears to be stabilizing. Reports of problems have significantly decreased, with many users reporting normal functionality restored. OpenAI has remained quiet on specific details regarding the cause of the outage but has committed to transparency as they investigate. Users in both the U.S. and UK are now able to access ChatGPT and Sora apps without issues.
This outage comes on the heels of previous disruptions, the most notable occurring in late 2024. Following those incidents, OpenAI had made improvements that allowed for a brief period of stability for both ChatGPT and Sora. However, incidents occurring today remind us of the volatility inherent in even the most reliable technologies.
As the dust settles on this latest outage, many users are left pondering just how interconnected they have become with AI-driven applications. It’s clear that when these systems go down, it isn’t just a matter of inconvenience; it disrupts workflows, productivity, and potentially the decision-making processes in various verticals, from businesses to education.
In the age of AI, as more people depend on technolgies like ChatGPT for daily tasks, the ramifications of service outages become increasingly significant. OpenAI and other tech companies will need to reflect on how they prepare in light of this dependency.
Ultimately, while the service is back up for the majority, the collective experience serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that digital outages can have on users. OpenAI's next steps will be closely watched to ensure they address the root cause of this disruption, so that trust in their services can remain intact.
