How ChatGPT Revealed Someone Else’s Medical Information Through an Unrelated Search

Potential Privacy Concerns with ChatGPT: Unexpected Exposure of Sensitive Data

Recently, I encountered a surprising and concerning experience while interacting with ChatGPT. I was inquiring about the appropriate type of sandpaper for a project, a simple and unrelated question. However, the response I received was startling—it included detailed personal information related to someone else’s medical data, encompassing their drug test results from across the country. Remarkably, I was able to obtain a copy of this file directly from ChatGPT, complete with signatures and other sensitive details.

This incident has left me quite unsettled. I am unsure of the proper course of action, especially since I am wary of sharing or disseminating this individual’s private information further. Protecting their privacy is paramount, and I am hesitant to post the transcript publicly.

Additional Context

In an update, I want to clarify that I am not a frequent Reddit user, and I made a comment containing most of the conversation transcript. I had initially asked ChatGPT, “What information do you know about me?” but then deleted a portion of the chat where I thought I might have been revealing more about myself than intended. Surprisingly, that segment only listed some personal details I would prefer not to have online.

It’s important to note that ChatGPT may have been “hallucinating” or generating fabricated information, which complicates assessing the accuracy of what’s been shared. To verify, I conducted a quick search on the names mentioned, and they appeared consistent with their purported locations. Also, for clarity, ChatGPT referred to itself as “Atlas,” which I used as a reference in my narration.

Further Clarification

I don’t typically post threads on Reddit, but I want to be transparent about this experience. If you’re interested, here’s a link to the specific comment I referenced: Reddit Comment Link. Some users have commented on the thread, questioning my intentions. Please review the context to better understand the situation.

Final Thoughts

This situation highlights significant privacy and security concerns surrounding AI interactions—particularly when sensitive personal data is inadvertently exposed. It underscores the importance of cautious usage and vigilant oversight when engaging with advanced language models. Moving forward, users should be mindful of possible unintended data sharing and take steps to protect