OpenAI Battles Court Order to Preserve ChatGPT User Logs

OpenAI is challenging a court order requiring it to preserve all ChatGPT user logs, including deleted and sensitive conversations, after news organizations sued over copyright claims. The plaintiffs accused OpenAI of destroying evidence, prompting a judge to order the company to retain all output log data. OpenAI argues the order is premature, based on unfounded speculation, and risks breaching user privacy.
The order affects users of ChatGPT Free, Plus, Pro, and OpenAI’s API, potentially exposing sensitive data like financial information, trade secrets, and intimate conversations. OpenAI warns that complying with the order violates its privacy policies and global regulations, harming user trust and forcing costly engineering changes.
Users expressed alarm on social media, with some advising against sharing sensitive data with ChatGPT or its API. OpenAI emphasizes its commitment to user control over data retention and deletion, stating it did not intentionally destroy evidence. The company requests oral arguments to vacate the order, arguing the privacy risks outweigh speculative copyright concerns.
The outcome remains uncertain as OpenAI fights to protect user privacy while balancing copyright claims.

Published: 6/4/2025