ChatGPT Therapy Privacy Concerns: Sam Altman's Comments

Description

This Business Insider article, published on July 25, 2025, reports on concerning statements made by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman regarding the privacy implications of using ChatGPT for therapeutic conversations. The article highlights a growing trend where users, particularly young people, are increasingly turning to ChatGPT as a substitute for professional therapy, life coaching, and relationship advice.

https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-privacy-therapy-sam-altman-openai-lawsuit-2025-7

The core issue Altman raises is the lack of legal protections for conversations with AI systems compared to traditional therapeutic relationships. Unlike conversations with licensed therapists, doctors, or lawyers, which are protected by professional confidentiality privileges, ChatGPT conversations do not enjoy the same legal safeguards. This means that in the event of a lawsuit or legal proceeding, OpenAI could be compelled to produce private conversations that users believed were confidential.

Altman expressed his concern about this situation during an interview with podcaster Theo Von, describing it as "very screwed up" that sensitive personal conversations with AI could potentially be exposed in legal proceedings. He emphasized that this represents a significant gap in privacy protection that needs urgent attention, particularly as AI therapy usage becomes more widespread.

The article also provides technical context about OpenAI's data handling practices. Unlike encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or Signal, OpenAI staff can access ChatGPT conversations for purposes including model improvement and monitoring for misuse. While the company's policy states that deleted conversations are permanently removed within 30 days, this timeline can be extended if legal or security reasons require data retention.

The privacy concerns are further complicated by ongoing legal challenges. The article mentions that The New York Times and other media organizations have filed a court order seeking to require OpenAI to retain all ChatGPT user logs indefinitely, including deleted conversations, as part of a broader copyright lawsuit. OpenAI is currently appealing this order.

The piece concludes by noting Altman's broader concerns about technology's impact on young people, including his worries about the psychological effects of addictive social media platforms on children.

Key Points Summary

  • Growing AI Therapy Trend: Increasing numbers of people, especially young users, are using ChatGPT for therapy, life coaching, and relationship advice

  • Privacy Gap: ChatGPT conversations lack the legal protections (doctor-patient confidentiality, attorney-client privilege) that exist for traditional therapeutic relationships

  • Legal Vulnerability: In lawsuits or legal proceedings, OpenAI could be required to produce private ChatGPT conversations, unlike protected professional consultations

  • Urgent Need for Reform: Altman calls for immediate attention to establish privacy protections for AI conversations similar to those for human therapists

  • Data Access Reality: OpenAI staff can read ChatGPT conversations for model training and misuse monitoring, unlike encrypted messaging services

  • Retention Policies: Deleted ChatGPT conversations are permanently removed within 30 days, unless legal or security reasons require longer retention

  • Legal Challenges: The New York Times and other plaintiffs have sought court orders requiring OpenAI to retain all user logs indefinitely as part of copyright litigation

  • Appeal Process: OpenAI is currently appealing the court order to retain user conversation data

  • Broader Tech Concerns: Altman also expressed worries about social media addiction's psychological impact on children

  • Regulatory Lag: The legal framework hasn't kept pace with AI technology adoption, creating unprecedented privacy challenges that didn't exist even a year ago

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