Sam Altman Warns: Your ChatGPT Conversations Could Be Used in Court
As artificial intelligence becomes a daily tool for millions of Americans, many are turning to ChatGPT for personal advice, life coaching, and even therapy-style conversations. But according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, those private chats may not be as private as users think.
“If you talk to a therapist or a lawyer about your problems, those conversations are legally protected by confidentiality,” Altman said in a recent interview.
“We haven’t figured that out yet for AI. If there’s a lawsuit, we could be required to produce those conversations.”
🛑 No Legal Privilege for AI Conversations
AI chats lack the legal protections of doctor-patient or attorney-client privilege.
Unlike encrypted apps or licensed professionals, AI conversations can be accessed:
By OpenAI employees for quality monitoring and misuse prevention.
If legally compelled, as part of a lawsuit or investigation.
📁 Retention and Deletion Policies
Deleted conversations on ChatGPT Free, Plus, and Pro are generally erased within 30 days.
But:
Legal or security needs can override this.
Courts may request preservation, even of deleted logs — as seen in ongoing lawsuits.
🧑⚖️ Altman Calls for New Privacy Protections
Altman urges lawmakers to create privacy rights for AI chats.
“There should be the same concept of privacy for your conversations with AI that we do with a therapist,” he warned.
Without reform, trust in AI tools could erode, even as usage continues to surge in the U.S.
⚖️ The Big Question
With millions relying on AI for personal and emotional support, should the U.S. create new laws to protect AI chats —
or should users hold back from sharing sensitive information until legal protections catch up?
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