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Luu, T.J.

How ChatGPT learns about the world while protecting privacy

infonewsLLM-Specific

privacysafety

Source: OpenAI BlogMay 6, 2026

Summary

OpenAI trains ChatGPT using various data sources, including publicly available internet content and user conversations, to help the model learn broad knowledge and perform better. To protect privacy, OpenAI uses Privacy Filter (a tool that identifies and masks personal information in text) at multiple stages of training, and gives users control over their data through settings like the ability to disable model training, use temporary chats that auto-delete after 30 days, and manage or delete their account information.

Solution / Mitigation

OpenAI has implemented Privacy Filter, which identifies and masks personal information in text at multiple stages in the training process. Users can disable model training by going to Settings, then Data Controls, and turning off 'Improve the model for everyone.' Alternatively, users can use Temporary Chat (which does not appear in chat history, does not create memories, and is not used to train models, with conversations deleted after 30 days). Users can also review, edit, or delete saved memories, export their data, delete their account, or submit privacy requests through the privacy request portal.