Confessions Aren’t Confined: Sam Altman Exposes ChatGPT’s Confidentiality Gap

Imagine treating an AI chatbot like your therapist—pouring your secrets, seeking guidance, finding comfort. Now imagine those intimate conversations could be subpoenaed and exposed. That’s the unsettling reality highlighted by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on July 25, 2025, when he revealed there’s no legal privilege shielding ChatGPT discussions the way doctor–patient or attorney–client exchanges are protected.

Understanding the Confidentiality Void

When Altman discussed AI and legal systems during his appearance on Theo Von’s podcast This Past Weekend, he emphasized that although millions use ChatGPT for emotional support, the platform offers no formal legal privilege. Unlike licensed professionals—therapists, lawyers, doctors—AI conversations offer no legal confidentiality, and could be disclosed if ordered in litigation.

Altman stated plainly:

“Right now… if you talk to ChatGPT about your most sensitive stuff and then there’s like a lawsuit or whatever, we could be required to produce that, and I think that’s very screwed up.”

He urged that AI conversations deserve the same level of privacy protection as professional counseling and legal advice.

A Privacy Race That’s Lagging Behind

Altman highlighted how the industry hasn’t caught up with the rapid use of AI in personal contexts—therapy, life coaching, relationship advice—particularly by younger users. He views the lack of legal structure around privacy protections as a pressing gap.

OpenAI is currently embroiled in a legal battle with The New York Times, which has sought an order to retain all ChatGPT user chat logs indefinitely—including deleted histories—for purposes of discovery. OpenAI opposes the scope of that order and is appealing, arguing it undermines fundamental user privacy norms. They note that on standard tiers, deleted chats are purged within 30 days unless needed for legal or security reasons.

Why This Matters

As digital therapy grows, users may mistakenly believe their intimate disclosures are as protected as conversations with clinicians or counselors. That misconception poses legal risks. Altman warned that if someone sued, your ChatGPT “therapy” session could be used as evidence in court.

Legal analysts and privacy advocates agree—this is not just a philosophical issue. It signals a need for comprehensive legal frameworks governing AI-based counseling and emotional support platforms.

Moving Toward a Solution

Altman called for urgent policy development to extend confidentiality protections to AI conversations, similar to established medical and legal privilege. He described the absence of such protections as “very screwed up” and warned that more clarity is needed before users place deep trust in ChatGPT for vulnerable discussions.

Lawmakers appear increasingly cognizant of the issue, yet legislation is lagging far behind technological adoption.

Context of Broader Concerns

Altman also expressed discomfort over emotional dependence on AI, particularly among younger users. He shared that, despite recognizing ChatGPT’s performance in diagnostics and advice, he personally would not trust it with his own medical decisions without a human expert in the loop.

Simultaneously, some academic studies (e.g., Stanford) have flagged that AI therapy bots can perpetuate stigma or bias, underscoring the urgency of mindful integration into mental health care.

Conclusion: AI Advice Needs Legal Guardrails

Sam Altman’s warning—delivered in late July 2025—is a wake‑up call: AI chatbots are rapidly entering spaces traditionally occupied by trained professionals, but legal and ethical frameworks haven’t kept pace. As people increasingly open up to AI, often about their most sensitive struggles, laws governing privilege and confidentiality must evolve. Until they do, users should be cautious: ChatGPT isn’t a therapist—and your secrets aren’t safe in a court of law.