Recent news about a legal decision involving The New York Times and OpenAI offers a timely reminder for all of us: be intentional with the information you share when using artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT.
The New York Times recently secured a court order requiring OpenAI to retain ChatGPT logs that users had deleted. While this legal outcome is unlikely to significantly change the broader AI safety landscape, it underscores a critical point: What you enter into AI platforms may not be fully erasable.
What Does This Mean for You?
When using AI tools:
- Avoid entering sensitive or confidential information unless you are confident it is safe and appropriate to do so.
- Assume persistence: Even if a platform offers deletion options, there may be circumstances where the data is retained or recoverable.
- Stay informed about your organization’s guidance, privacy policies, and best practices when using generative AI tools in your work or studies.
Helpful Links
If you have questions or would like guidance on responsible AI usage, please visit the Responsible Use of AI at URI resources page.