Sam Altman Cautions: ChatGPT Isn’t a Therapist, User Data Not Legally Confidential

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned users that ChatGPT is not a therapist and conversations with it are not legally confidential. Speaking on Theo Von’s podcast, he noted that while people share deeply personal issues with the AI, such chats lack the legal protections granted to doctor, lawyer, or therapist discussions. In legal cases, user chats with ChatGPT could be disclosed. This issue has become more pressing amid OpenAI’s ongoing legal battle with The New York Times. Altman emphasized the need for clearer privacy laws, as AI interactions currently don’t guarantee the same confidentiality as human professional consultations.