ChatGPT chats lack legal protection, warns Sam Altman

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has recently raised concerns about privacy protections for sensitive ChatGPT conversations, comparing today's AI privacy standards to "having therapy sessions in public". Speaking on an interview on the 'This Past Weekend' podcast, Altman acknowledged growing user hesitation about sharing personal information with AI tools.

"People use it, young people especially, use it as a therapist, a life coach," Altman said, "Right now, if you talk to a therapist or a lawyer or a doctor about those problems, there's legal privilege for it." 

He warned that without proper safeguards, OpenAI could be compelled to disclose private chats in legal disputes: "If you go talk to ChatGPT about the most sensitive stuff and then there's a lawsuit or whatever, we could be required to produce that. I think that's very screwed up."

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The comments come as OpenAI resists court orders to retain user data in its ongoing New York Times copyright lawsuit. Altman stressed the need for "privacy clarity" and "legal clarity" before users fully trust AI platforms with confidential matters.

The issue gains urgency as more users treat chatbots as mental health advisors, despite risks of harmful advice and data exposure. Current AI systems lack the confidentiality protections governing medical or legal consultations, leaving sensitive conversations vulnerable in legal proceedings.

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Altman's warnings contrast with the Trump administration's newly released AI policy, which favours reduced regulation. However, the CEO suggested privacy-specific rules might find political support as AI assumes more sensitive roles in users' lives.