Fact check: What data does ChatGPT collect from users?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses, ChatGPT collects several types of user data, including:

• User-generated content (conversations and prompts) ^[1]
• Account and device information ^[1]
• Usage patterns and interactions with the ChatGPT service ^{[1] [2]}
• Chat logs and API content ^[1]

Data retention practices have recently changed dramatically. Previously, OpenAI allowed users to delete their conversations, with data being removed from servers within 30 days ^[1]. However, a US court order now requires OpenAI to retain all user data indefinitely ^{[3] [4]}. This includes deleted ChatGPT chats and all output log data that would otherwise be permanently removed ^[1].

The court order affects users of ChatGPT Free, Plus, and Pro, as well as OpenAI's API users, but notably does not impact ChatGPT Enterprise or ChatGPT Edu customers ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial context about the ongoing legal battle driving current data retention policies. The New York Times and other publishers have filed a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI ^{[6] [4]}, which has fundamentally altered how user data is handled.

OpenAI's perspective is that they are being forced to compromise user privacy against their will. The company plans to challenge the court order and is pushing for oral arguments ^[5], arguing that their policy was previously designed to give users control over their data with easy opt-outs ^[1].

The New York Times and publishers benefit from this data retention as it provides them with comprehensive evidence for their copyright infringement case ^[6]. Meanwhile, OpenAI faces potential conflicts with privacy laws and contractual obligations due to the forced data retention ^[7].

Privacy advocates and users who relied on OpenAI's deletion promises are particularly concerned, as many depended on the ability to delete conversations to manage risk ^[7]. The situation also raises compliance concerns with regulations like GDPR ^[2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual, asking simply about data collection practices. However, it fails to capture the current legal complexity surrounding ChatGPT's data practices.

A complete answer requires understanding that data retention policies are no longer under OpenAI's full control due to court intervention ^{[1] [4]}. The question might mislead users into thinking they have the same privacy protections that existed before the court order, when in reality their conversations are now being retained indefinitely regardless of deletion attempts ^[3].

The timing is critical here - users asking this question in 2025 are operating under fundamentally different privacy conditions than those who used ChatGPT before the court order was issued.