OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a clear warning to users: conversations with ChatGPT, especially when used like a therapist or life coach, are not protected by legal confidentiality.
Speaking in a recent statement and podcast, Altman explained that unlike doctors, lawyers, or licensed therapists—who are bound by strict privacy laws—ChatGPT is not covered by such protections. This means that chats could be subpoenaed and used in court, even if they’ve been deleted, as records may still be retained for legal or security purposes.
Altman noted that many young people now turn to ChatGPT for emotional support, relationship guidance, and mental health discussions. While the AI can provide helpful responses, these exchanges lack the legal safeguards that protect professional counseling or medical advice. He called the situation “very screwed up” and urged lawmakers to create stronger privacy protections for AI-based conversations.
His remarks come as OpenAI faces legal disputes over whether it must preserve and produce user chat histories. For now, Altman advises caution: do not treat ChatGPT like a doctor, lawyer, or therapist unless and until laws catch up to the technology.
The warning underscores how quickly AI is advancing beyond current privacy laws—and why users should think carefully before sharing sensitive details with a tool that isn’t bound by the same confidentiality rules as human professionals.
