Sam Altman warns there’s no legal confidentiality when using ChatGPT as a therapist

Sam Altman says it’s time to rethink privacy in the age of AI. The OpenAI CEO explained in a podcast that conversations with ChatGPT — even when deeply personal — aren’t currently protected under legal confidentiality rules.

Altman pointed out that many people now use AI for mental health advice or relationship guidance. Unlike a licensed therapist or attorney, ChatGPT doesn’t offer any legal safeguards for those chats.

This issue has become especially important as OpenAI faces a court order to retain vast amounts of user chat data amid ongoing litigation. Altman described the situation as an “overreach” and warned that such orders could lead to more frequent data demands.

He concluded that users deserve the same privacy with AI tools as they expect in traditional therapy or medical settings, and urged lawmakers to act swiftly.