TechCrunch reports that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman issued a stark warning about the lack of legal confidentiality when people use AI chatbots like ChatGPT for mental health support. He explained that conversations with AI are not protected by the privileges that apply to communications with human therapists, doctors or lawyers. Data shared with a chatbot could be accessed by the company, used for model training or disclosed to law enforcement on request.

Altman’s statement highlights a serious privacy risk as more people turn to AI-based therapy. While chatbots offer 24/7 support, users may assume their sensitive disclosures are protected when they are not. The article underscores the need for AI providers to be transparent about data practices and urges users to be cautious when sharing personal information with AI systems because existing legal frameworks do not yet offer robust protection.