Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT has issued a blunt warning: what you say to the chatbot could one day be read out in court.
In a statement that’s sparked fresh debate over digital privacy, Altman said many users share deeply personal information with ChatGPT without realising their conversations may be used as legal evidence.
“People pour their lives into these tools,” Altman reportedly said. “They don’t always know those chats can be subpoenaed or submitted in court if needed.”
The revelation has raised eyebrows, especially as AI-powered tools like ChatGPT become more embedded in everyday life from helping with homework to drafting work emails and even giving emotional support.
While OpenAI’s terms of service do not explicitly state that chat records are shared with third parties without consent, legal experts confirm that any digital communication if relevant and properly obtained can potentially be introduced in a legal proceeding.
Digital Trails, Legal Risk
Legal analyst Emma Walsh says this shouldn’t come as a surprise. “Anything written down whether it’s in an email, text, or chatbot leaves a digital footprint,” she said. “If it’s linked to a case, it could be used.”
Privacy advocates, however, argue that users need clearer warnings about this risk. As most people don’t read the fine print, users automatically assume their chat with an AI is private. That assumption could have serious consequences.
OpenAI maintains that it takes privacy seriously. Chat data is not stored indefinitely and users can delete their conversation history. However, many remain unaware of how their data is handled or who may gain access under certain legal circumstances.
What You Should Know
If you’re using ChatGPT or any AI tool it’s wise to treat it like any public platform. Don’t share sensitive details unless you fully understand the risks.
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