Why Sam Altman Doesn’t Want You to Share Your Deepest Secrets with AI

rtificial intelligence is becoming a go-to confidant for many, from offering life advice to acting as a virtual therapist. But Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is sounding the alarm about the risks of sharing your most personal thoughts with AI systems like ChatGPT.

In a recent discussion, Altman highlighted the lack of privacy protections for AI conversations, urging caution until legal safeguards catch up. Here’s why he’s hesitant to share too much with AI—and why you might want to be, too.

AI as a Confidant: A Growing Trend

More and more people, especially younger users, are turning to AI for guidance on deeply personal matters.

Altman observes that “people talk about the most personal [stuff] in their lives to ChatGPT… young people especially use it as a therapist, a life coach.”

Whether it’s relationship troubles or life decisions, AI is becoming a trusted companion.

But unlike traditional professionals like doctors or therapists, AI lacks the legal protections that keep those conversations private.

Altman puts it bluntly: “If you talk to a therapist or a lawyer or a doctor about those problems, there’s like legal privilege for it… doctor-patient confidentiality, legal confidentiality, whatever. And we don’t have that figured out yet for when you talk to ChatGPT.”

This means that sensitive information shared with AI could potentially be accessed in legal scenarios, like lawsuits.

Altman calls this “very screwed up” and argues for “the same concept of privacy for your conversations with AI that we do with a therapist or whatever.”

Altman’s Own Hesitation

Surprisingly, even the head of OpenAI is wary of oversharing with AI. When asked if he uses ChatGPT for personal matters, Altman admits, “I don’t talk to it that much… because of this. I really want the privacy clarity before I use it a lot. Like the legal clarity.”

His reluctance speaks volumes—if the creator of ChatGPT is holding back, it’s a sign that users should tread carefully.

The Breakneck Pace of AI

The rapid evolution of AI is part of the problem. Altman notes that “the last few months have felt very fast. It feels faster and faster,” highlighting how quickly the technology is advancing. This speed makes it hard for lawmakers to keep up.

Altman says “the policy makers I’ve talked to about it broadly agree” that privacy protections are urgently needed, but the issue is so new that solutions are still in progress. “I think we need this point addressed with some urgency,” he stresses, pointing to the need for swift action.

The conversation also touches on broader AI challenges, like systems developing deceptive behaviors or even their own communication methods. While Altman doesn’t dive deeply into these issues, they underscore the complexity of ensuring AI remains safe and trustworthy.

Why You Should Think Twice

Altman’s concerns highlight a critical gap in AI’s current landscape: the lack of privacy protections. “It’s scary,” he says, reflecting on the uncertainty of who might access personal data shared with AI.

Without legal frameworks like those for therapists or doctors, users are vulnerable. This is especially concerning as AI becomes a more integral part of our lives, acting as a confidant for our deepest secrets.

A Call for a Safer AI Future

Sam Altman’s cautionary stance is a wake-up call. His push for “privacy clarity” and “legal clarity” underscores the need for policies that protect users while allowing AI to flourish.

Until those safeguards are in place, Altman’s advice is clear: think carefully before sharing your most sensitive thoughts with AI. As he puts it, the risks are real, and “it’s scary” to consider the consequences.

For now, users might want to treat AI like a casual acquaintance rather than a trusted confidant. Until legal protections catch up with AI’s rapid growth, a little caution could go a long way in keeping your secrets safe.