ChatGPT as therapist? Altman warns about privacy risks

Sam Altman warns that using ChatGPT as a therapist is risky due to lack of legal confidentiality, raising concerns over AI's role in mental health and sensitive conversations.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has raised red flags about the use of ChatGPT as a mental health therapist. Speaking at an event, Altman emphasized that the platform does not guarantee legal confidentiality, meaning users sharing sensitive personal information with the AI are not protected by any privacy laws like HIPAA or therapist-client privilege.

He stressed that while AI can be helpful for emotional support, it's not a replacement for professional help.

The warning comes amid growing use of AI tools for mental health and underscores the urgent need for clearer ethical and legal standards.

OpenAI