Is my privacy safe with ChatGPT?
ChatGPT can be useful for everyday questions and work, but you should not treat a conversation as a private vault. What happens to your information depends on the product you use, your settings, and your organization’s agreement with OpenAI. The safest approach is to share only what is necessary and leave sensitive details out.
Our team recommends reading our ChatGPT privacy guide for personal and business use for more ways to protect your information.
What should you avoid sharing?
Do not enter passwords, authentication codes, payment card numbers, Social Security numbers, or other information that could expose you to fraud. Avoid sharing medical records, confidential business plans, customer data, and private information about other people unless you are authorized to do so and have appropriate protections in place.
When you need help with a sensitive topic, replace identifying details with generic descriptions. For example, ask for help drafting a billing dispute without including your account number or full address. Removing names alone may not be enough if other details could identify someone.
How can you control your data?
Review the privacy and data controls in your ChatGPT account before sharing information. Depending on the product and settings, you may be able to turn off the use of your conversations to improve models. Temporary Chat may offer a more private option for a particular conversation, but it is not a substitute for keeping sensitive information out of your prompts.
Deleting a conversation and disabling model training are different controls. Review the current retention and deletion terms for the service you use, including any exceptions for safety or legal obligations.
What about using ChatGPT for work?
Follow your employer’s rules before entering work information. Business and enterprise products may have different data protections and administrative controls from personal accounts, so confirm which account and approved tools you are using.
Also consider whether a custom GPT or connected tool sends information to a third party. Its handling of your data may be governed by that provider’s policies, not just your ChatGPT settings.
FAQ
Can I trust ChatGPT with my personal information?
Use caution: share only the minimum information needed, and keep highly sensitive details out of your prompts. Review your data controls and the privacy terms for your account before sharing anything personal.
Recommended for you
Leave a comment