Privacy Concerns/ Questions About ChatGPT?

Overview: Key Privacy Questions About ChatGPT

Can OpenAI see what I type into ChatGPT?

Yes—unless you opt out, your inputs can be stored and reviewed.

How do I stop my chats from being used to train the model?

Use “Data Controls” in settings or submit a privacy request. Temporary Chat avoids saving data.

Is ChatGPT private like a therapist or lawyer?

No. Sam Altman has confirmed there’s no legal confidentiality with ChatGPT.

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What Happens to Your Data in ChatGPT?

Short version: OpenAI collects your prompts, uploads, and device info—unless you change the defaults.

The Privacy Policy (June 27, 2025) says OpenAI collects:

• • User Content: Chats, uploads, prompts

• • Technical Info: IP address, browser, device type

Unless you opt out, your content might be reviewed or used to improve the product.

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Can OpenAI See or Use My Chats?

Yes—especially if chat history is on or you send feedback.

• • Thumbs up/down shares the full conversation

• • Flagged chats can be reviewed manually

• • Temporary or deleted chats are purged in ~30 days

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How to Limit What Gets Stored or Used

Use OpenAI’s privacy tools:

1. 1. Settings → Data Controls → Turn off “Use my data to train models”

1. 1. Submit a request at privacy.openai.com
      
      • • Some users say they get confirmation quickly

1. 1. Use Temporary Chat (via dropdown menu)
      
      • • No history
      • • Not used for training
      • • No memory created

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Is ChatGPT Fully Private If I Opt Out?

Not entirely. Even with opt-out:

• • Chats can still be stored briefly for safety or legal reasons

• • OpenAI can share data if legally required

• • Opt-out blocks training use, not all storage

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Is ChatGPT Like a Therapist or Lawyer?

No. Your conversations aren’t legally protected.

Sam Altman has been clear: don’t assume confidentiality. What you type can still be reviewed or disclosed.

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Recent Privacy Issues to Know

• • Chat publishing de-indexed: OpenAI blocked Google indexing after some user chats showed up in search

• • Prompt injection: OWASP flagged vulnerabilities in custom GPTs

• • 2023 leak: A bug briefly exposed some user chat metadata and billing info

Even with updates, privacy risks still exist.

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How to Use ChatGPT More Safely

Think of it like email—don’t enter anything sensitive into a regular chat.

Privacy Checklist:

• • ❌ Don’t share personal data (SSNs, passwords, medical info)

• • ✅ Turn off chat history and model training

• • ✅ Use Temporary Chat for private queries

• • 🗑️ Delete old chats

• • 🔐 Use Enterprise or Team plans
    
    
    • • Training disabled by default
    • • Data encrypted
    • • Admins manage retention

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Why OpenAI Collects Data

To improve the product and keep it safe—not to target users or run ads.

OpenAI says:

“We do not actively seek out personal information to train our models.”

Still, opted-in content and feedback can be used unless you turn that off.

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Common Buyer Privacy Questions—Quick Answers

Question	Answer
“Can OpenAI see what I type?”	Yes, unless you opt out.
“Is ChatGPT confidential?”	No—conversations aren’t legally protected.
“How do I stop my prompts from being used?”	Use Data Controls or Temporary Chat.

Bottom Line

• • By default, ChatGPT stores your prompts, uploads, and account info

• • You can limit training use and turn off history

• • It’s not confidential like a lawyer or therapist

• • Skip sensitive info unless you’re using an Enterprise plan

• • Use it like you’d use email: carefully, cleanly, and with control over your history