ChatGPT users panicked after Sam Altman revealed therapy sessions lack confidentiality

ChatGPT users have expressed concern following a recent admission by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who revealed that conversations involving sensitive personal matters might not be as private as many assumed.

Speaking on the podcast This Past Weekend with Theo Von, Altman discussed the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the challenges it brings, particularly regarding ethical and privacy concerns.

Altman acknowledged that many people, especially younger users, have started using AI tools like ChatGPT not just for casual inquiries but as a form of emotional support, as a stand-in for therapists, life coaches, or even close confidants.

However, unlike professional therapists or doctors, AI doesn’t fall under legal confidentiality protections.

“People talk about the most personal stuff in their lives to ChatGPT,” Altman said. “And right now, if you talk to a therapist or a doctor, there’s legal privilege. We haven’t figured that out yet for when you talk to ChatGPT.”

He also noted that in certain legal scenarios, OpenAI could be compelled to disclose user interactions with the AI model. “If there’s a lawsuit or whatever, we could be required to produce that, and I think that’s very screwed up,” Altman said.

The revelation has prompted a wave of unease among users, many of whom have relied on ChatGPT as a safe space for emotional or private conversations.

The incident has fueled debates about privacy, data ownership, and the ethical responsibilities of AI companies.