ChatGPT Won’t Train on Your Health Data, OpenAI Says
▼ Summary
– OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Health, a dedicated, private space for health-related conversations within its platform.
– The company explicitly promises not to use personal health information from this space to train its foundational AI models.
– The feature is initially rolling out to a small group of early users, with others able to join a waitlist for access.
– OpenAI includes a clear warning that ChatGPT Health is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
– While rolling out broadly to most ChatGPT tiers, the feature is not currently available in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the UK.
OpenAI is launching a new, dedicated area within its popular chatbot called ChatGPT Health, designed specifically for users seeking information and conversations related to wellness and medical topics. This move addresses the growing trend of people turning to AI for preliminary health guidance. The company emphasizes a strong commitment to user privacy, explicitly stating that personal health data shared within this space will not be utilized to train its core artificial intelligence models.
The new feature creates a private environment where users can discuss health concerns. OpenAI describes it as a tool to help individuals feel “more informed, prepared, and confident” when managing their health journeys. For those granted early access, ChatGPT Health appears as a distinct section in the sidebar on desktop versions or within the mobile app’s menu. Interestingly, the standard ChatGPT interface may even suggest moving a conversation to the Health space if it identifies the topic as health-related.
A critical component of this rollout is the privacy assurance. Upon entering the ChatGPT Health dashboard, users encounter a clear notification. It states that health information will not, by default, be used to train OpenAI’s foundational models. This data is governed by a separate Health Privacy Notice, and the company recommends enabling multi-factor authentication for enhanced security. This policy is a direct response to widespread concerns about how sensitive personal data might be used in AI development.
It is vital to understand the limitations of this tool. OpenAI includes prominent warnings that ChatGPT is not a substitute for a qualified medical professional. The company advises that responses generated within ChatGPT Health should not be interpreted as medical advice and are not designed for diagnosing conditions or prescribing treatments. The feature is intended for informational purposes only.
Access to ChatGPT Health is being gradually expanded. It is becoming available to users across the Free, Go, Plus, and Pro subscription tiers. However, the service is not currently launching in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. Individuals interested in trying the feature can join a waitlist as OpenAI refines the experience based on feedback from an initial group of early users.
(Source: Bleeping Computer)
