ChatGPT Provided Me with Someone Else’s Medical Information from a Different Search

Unexpected Data Leak: When ChatGPT Provided Sensitive Personal Information

In recent discussions about AI and data privacy, a concerning incident has surfaced involving ChatGPT. A user recounts an unsettling experience where, while seeking advice on choosing sandpaper, the AI unexpectedly shared another individual’s private information—specifically, a comprehensive drug test profile collected from across the country.

The user explains that their initial query was innocuous, but ChatGPT’s response included detailed personal data, complete with signatures and associated details from an unrelated dataset. Disturbingly, the user was able to obtain this confidential file, raising serious questions about data handling and privacy safeguards within AI models.

Understandably, this revelation has left the user feeling distressed and hesitant about further dissemination of this sensitive material. They emphasize a desire to avoid contributing to the spread of private information, citing ethical concerns.

In a follow-up, the user clarifies that they are not a frequent Reddit user and had previously attempted to redact certain personal details from their shared transcript—specifically, asking ChatGPT about the information it knows about the user. Despite deleting this section, some personal identifiers about the user surfaced, matching real-world locations and names, which appeared to originate from the AI’s dataset.

They also mention that the AI, colloquially named Atlas in this context, may have fabricated or hallucinated parts of the conversation—highlighting the unpredictable nature of AI responses. The user has provided a link to the Reddit thread for context and notes that some community members have questioned their credibility, to which they respond by sharing relevant comments for transparency.

This incident underscores the ongoing importance of scrutinizing AI systems for unintended data leaks and reinforces the need for robust privacy protocols in AI deployment. Users should remain cautious of the information they share with AI technologies and advocate for stricter safeguards to protect personal data.

Note: Always verify the source and accuracy of information provided by AI tools, and exercise discretion when sharing sensitive details online or with automated systems.