Article last updated on:
December 27, 2023

Short answer: For the most part, ChatGPT is secure. As long as you don’t share super personal information, you are 100% safe.

Concerned about your privacy and data while using ChatGPT?

In this guide, we will:

  • Show you the risks of using ChatGPT
  • Prevent you from unwanted events
  • Teach you how to stay safe while using the AI

Let’s check this out.

ChatGPT: Safety and Risks

Below is our list of safety concerns regarding ChatGPT.

1. Not 100% private

Be cautious about what you share.

While ChatGPT says you are safe with it, you still shouldn’t share sensitive data.

ChatGPT doesn't recommend sharing private data with it
  • Why: Data is stored on OpenAI’s servers and accessible to its team.
  • Note: Conversations contribute to training the model by default.

2. Collected data

Read ChatGPT’s privacy policy.

It is strongly tied with the mother company’s privacy policy — OpenAI.

OpenAI and ChatGPT Privacy Policy
  • Why: It gathers your name, phone number, IP, and more.
  • Clarification: OpenAI won’t sell your data but may share it with selected partners and authorities.

3. Misleading answers

Double-check facts from ChatGPT.

  • The AI itself says it isn’t always accurate.
  • It’s always mentioned at the bottom of your screen

See for yourself:

ChatGPT saying it might produce misleading information
  • Why: Responses can be biased or incorrect.
  • Limitation: The model can’t cite its sources, making verification crucial.

4. Never too safe

Don’t rely solely on ChatGPT’s security measures.

  • Why: No system is 100% secure.
  • Reality Check: Even secure platforms can be hacked, risking your sensitive info.

Interestingly, this brings us to…

How to stay safe using ChatGPT

Follow these steps to remain safe privacy-wise using ChatGPT.

Below is our list.

1. Documenting

Read OpenAI’s policy and terms of service — not just the privacy policy!

OpenAI Terms of Use
  • Why: Understand how your data is used and stored.
  • Pro Tip: Bookmark these documents for future reference.

You can find all of OpenAI’s polices here.

2. Chat history

Go to Settings > Data Controls in ChatGPT.

Turning off Chat History in ChatGPT
  • Why: To prevent long-term storage of your chats.
  • Note: Chats may still be on OpenAI’s servers for 30 days for review.

Learn more:

Let’s move on.

3. Official apps

Use only the official website or iOS app.

ChatGPT - AI App for iOS
  • Why: Avoid scam versions that may misuse your data.
  • Warning: There’s no legit Android app as of now.

Official App Links
1. Website – ChatGPT Web App
2. iOS – ChatGPT App Store
3. Android – ChatGPT Play Store

5. Extensions

Research before installing any ChatGPT-related browser extensions.

Google Chrome - Extension Web Store
  • Why: Some might be phishing scams or data harvesters.

Read further: 15 Best (and safe) ChatGPT extensions

6. Data deletion

You’ve got two options:

  1. Permanently delete your account
  2. Email for data deletion

The official email for data deletion is: dsar@openai.com

ChatGPT - Deleting Account
  • Why: If you’re not satisfied with ChatGPT’s data policies.

However, be careful with this. This action cannot be undone.

Conclusion

That’s all you need to know about staying safe and other data-related concerns of ChatGPT.

Hope you learned something new in this guide!

Learn how to become more productive with our guides on how to use AI.

Thank you for reading this,

Ch David and Daniel

About the author

David, the head editor at Guides.ai, has four years of experience in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Join David and the team and explore AI tools and contributing to the creation and curation of AI educational content.