OpenAI CEO Warns ChatGPT Therapy Lacks Legal Privacy Protections

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a caution about the lack of legal privacy protections for users who engage with ChatGPT for therapy or emotionally sensitive conversations. Unlike traditional therapists, lawyers, or doctors, conversations with ChatGPT are not covered by legal privileges such as doctor-patient confidentiality, which means that in legal scenarios, OpenAI could be compelled to share these private interactions. Altman highlighted this as a significant privacy risk, especially given the growing trend of younger users relying on AI for mental health support and life advice. OpenAI is currently appealing a court order from a lawsuit with The New York Times that would require it to preserve and produce user chat data, which the company argues is an overreach that could undermine user trust in AI systems. Altman emphasized the urgent need for new legal and policy frameworks to ensure that AI conversations have privacy protections comparable to those in traditional confidential relationships. Experts acknowledge that while AI has potential in therapeutic contexts, critical thought and regulatory clarity are necessary before its widespread adoption in such roles.