OpenAI has introduced a feature called ChatGPT Health, a dedicated space within ChatGPT for health-related conversations and personal health data. Within this space, OpenAI states that health information is not used to train its foundation models, meaning the core AI systems that power ChatGPT and related products.
According to OpenAI’s health privacy commitments, this policy applies by default. Data entered into ChatGPT Health is handled separately from regular chat conversations and is not used to improve the main models.
What “not used to train models” actually means
This does not mean the data is never reviewed or processed. Instead:
- Health data is not incorporated into the general training datasets used to build or refine large language models.
- OpenAI may still use certain health information internally to improve safety, quality, or feature performance, unless a user opts out.
- The data may also be accessed for purposes such as customer support, security, or legal compliance.
Important nuances and privacy considerations
- The commitment applies specifically to ChatGPT Health and does not automatically extend to health-related information shared outside that dedicated space.
- “Not used for training” does not necessarily mean the data is end-to-end encrypted or inaccessible; it is still stored and protected using standard security measures and may be subject to policy or legal access.
- While privacy and data protection laws in some regions may offer additional safeguards for sensitive health information, OpenAI’s policy does not replace formal medical privacy regulations.
A reminder about safety
ChatGPT Health is designed to support understanding and organization of health information, not to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Users are encouraged to consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical decisions.
In short
- Health data shared in ChatGPT Health is not used to train OpenAI’s core AI models.
- The data is still stored and processed within OpenAI systems and may be reviewed for safety or operational purposes unless users opt out.
- This is not a blanket guarantee of complete privacy or legal immunity.
