OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Warns Users Seeking Therapy Through ChatGPT May Be Risking Their Privacy

 

As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT become increasingly integrated into everyday life, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has raised urgent concerns about how these platforms handle user privacy — especially when they’re used for emotional or therapeutic support.

In a candid conversation on the This Past Weekend podcast with comedian Theo Von, Altman acknowledged that many users — particularly younger generations — are now turning to ChatGPT for guidance on deeply personal matters ranging from relationship advice to mental health struggles.

“People talk about the most personal sh in their lives to ChatGPT,**” Altman said. “People use it — young people especially — as a therapist, a life coach… asking ‘what should I do?’”

No Legal Safeguards for AI Conversations

Unlike traditional professionals such as therapists, lawyers, or doctors, conversations with AI tools like ChatGPT are not protected under legal privilege. This means that if a user were involved in a lawsuit or legal investigation, their private chats could potentially be subpoenaed and handed over.

“We haven’t figured that out yet for when you talk to ChatGPT,” Altman warned. “I think that’s very screwed up.”

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He emphasized the need for AI-specific privacy regulations that align with the existing legal protections for human advisors.

The Privacy Gap Is Affecting User Trust

During the podcast, host Theo Von admitted to using ChatGPT sparingly due to privacy concerns — a hesitation Altman agreed was “completely understandable.”

“I think it makes sense… to really want the privacy clarity before you use [ChatGPT] a lot — like the legal clarity,” Altman said.

Why It Matters

As more users seek emotional support from AI — especially in places with limited access to mental health care — the lack of clear privacy protections could lead to serious consequences. Without legal safeguards, deeply sensitive information shared with ChatGPT could be exposed in unexpected ways.

Altman’s comments have reignited conversations around AI ethics, user protection, and the urgent need for policy updates as AI rapidly evolves into a trusted companion for millions.