OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has raised concerns about the lack of legal privacy protections for users who turn to AI tools like ChatGPT for emotional support. Speaking on a podcast, Altman warned that there is currently no equivalent to doctor-patient confidentiality when people confide in an AI assistant.
Altman noted that many people — particularly younger users — share highly personal issues with ChatGPT, such as relationship troubles and mental health challenges. However, without clear legal frameworks in place, those conversations could be subject to legal discovery in court.
“If you talk to a therapist, there’s confidentiality. If you talk to a lawyer, same thing,” Altman said. “We haven’t figured that out yet for ChatGPT.” He added that OpenAI could be compelled to produce user chat records in legal proceedings.
The company is already appealing a court order tied to its lawsuit with The New York Times, which could require the storage of chat data from hundreds of millions of users. OpenAI has called the order an “overreach” and warned it could expose users to broader surveillance and subpoenas.
