Why Your Conversation with ChatGPT Could Land You in Court

Nigerians who confide in ChatGPT about personal issues might be exposing themselves more than they think.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has raised the alarm that conversations with the AI chatbot are not protected under any legal confidentiality laws.

Altman made the shocking revelation during an interview on the podcast This Past Weekend, hosted by American comedian Theo Von.

He said many people, especially young users, treat ChatGPT like a therapist or life coach. They share secrets, relationship troubles, and even mental health struggles.

“People talk about the most personal shit in their lives to ChatGPT,” Altman admitted.

“Young people especially use it like a therapist, saying things like ‘What should I do about this problem?’”

But unlike real therapists, lawyers, or doctors who are bound by legal confidentiality ChatGPT offers no such protection.

If a legal case arises, conversations with the chatbot could be used in court.

Altman didn’t mince words. “If you go talk to ChatGPT about the most sensitive stuff and then there’s a lawsuit, we could be required to produce that,” he warned.

That possibility raises serious concerns for users in Nigeria, where digital privacy laws remain weak.

Many young Nigerians, students, and professionals rely on ChatGPT for advice on career, finance, and relationships.

Altman believes this legal gap must close fast. “We should have the same privacy for your chats with AI as you have with a therapist,” he said.

Until laws catch up, Nigerians may want to think twice before sharing sensitive issues with ChatGPT.

A casual conversation today could become evidence tomorrow.

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