Google indexes conversations that users send via the “Share” button on ChatGPT. This sometimes results in private conversations — conversations filled with sensitive details about mental health, family problems, experiences of violence, and other things — appearing in Google search results.
While users’ names are not displayed in the conversations, some share personal information that indirectly identifies them. Users who want to share a conversation with a friend via the “Share” button are often unaware that the link will be visible on the open web.
A simple Google search revealed more than 4,500 such shares. This number is not a complete list — because not all conversations are indexed.
OpenAI says that shared conversations are only indexed if the user explicitly turns on the search compatibility option. However, experts say that users do not fully understand these features, and therefore personal information can be accidentally exposed.
Cybersecurity and privacy experts attribute this situation to poor user awareness and call on technology companies to act more transparently and responsibly.
