OpenAI CEO Warns: AI Therapy Is Legally Unprotected

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a caution to users who turn to ChatGPT for emotional support and counseling, stressing that conversations with the AI do not have legal privacy protections. During a recent podcast appearance on ‘This Past Weekend with Theo Von,’ Altman explained that many users, particularly younger individuals, share highly personal and mental health information without fully understanding the privacy risks involved. Unlike encrypted platforms like WhatsApp or Signal, ChatGPT conversations can be accessed by OpenAI and might be subject to disclosure in legal proceedings. Altman emphasized the urgent need for legal protections for AI interactions comparable to those afforded in therapeutic settings. He advised users to seek professional help for serious emotional or psychological issues and to be cautious when sharing private information with AI-based tools. This warning comes amid growing concerns over AI privacy and the use of AI in mental health support, highlighting a critical gap in data privacy and regulatory frameworks for emerging AI technologies.