ChatGPT rolls out important privacy options

ChatGPT users now have the option of keeping their chat history private.

In a blog post on Tuesday, OpenAI announced a new setting that allows user to disable their chat history. When disabled, content shared with ChatGPT would not be used to improve the model, and it means conversations are retained for 30 days, then deleted from OpenAI's system. Previously, the only way to prevent your data from being shared with the model was to opt-out through a form linked in one of OpenAI's articles about its privacy policy. Now it's much easier and much more accessible to turn off data sharing.

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The updated privacy setting comes on the heels of a recent privacy breach and the rise of ethical and regulatory concerns about how ChatGPT data is protected. The breach temporarily exposed personal and financial user data to other users. For this reason, Italy banned ChatGPT for inadequate user data protections per Europe's sweeping General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws. Along the same lines, a complaint was filed to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for violating misinformation laws. OpenAI has since pledged its commitment to safety and security, saying it will "continue to enhance safety precautions as our AI systems evolve."

OpenAI also announced development of a ChatGPT Business subscription, "for professionals who need more control over their data as well as enterprises seeking to manage their end users." A ChatGPT Business subscription would fall under OpenAI's API data usage policy which doesn't share chat content with its model. That's sure to be a relief for companies worried about their workers using ChatGPT after Samsung employees inadvertently shared confidential code with the chatbot. OpenAI says the business subscription will be rolling out in the coming months.

How to disable ChatGPT chat history

To change your account settings in ChatGPT, click on your account name, then click settings. In the window that pops up, click "Show" if your "Data Controls" are hidden. This will reveal a toggle that says Chat History & Training. Tap the toggle off to disable it.