OpenAI is fighting back The New York Times' data preservation demand
Jun 06, 2025 - windowsreport.com
The New York Times is involved in a lawsuit against OpenAI, demanding that the company store all ChatGPT user content indefinitely. The Times believes this data might support its copyright case. OpenAI, however, argues that this demand conflicts with its privacy commitments to users and considers it an overreach. Despite its objections, OpenAI is currently complying with the order while appealing the decision in court. The data retention order affects users of ChatGPT Free, Plus, Pro, and Teams, but excludes ChatGPT Enterprise, ChatGPT Edu, and API customers using Zero Data Retention endpoints.
OpenAI has set up a secure system to store the data, accessible only to a small, audited legal and security team when necessary to meet legal obligations. The company is actively seeking to reverse the order through legal channels, emphasizing its commitment to user privacy.
Key takeaways:
The New York Times has asked the court to force OpenAI to store all ChatGPT user content indefinitely to support its copyright case.
OpenAI's COO, Brad Lightcap, argues that this demand conflicts with user privacy commitments and is an overreach.
OpenAI is legally required to comply with the order but has filed motions to reverse it and escalated the matter to higher courts.
The data retention order affects ChatGPT Free, Plus, Pro, and Teams users, but excludes ChatGPT Enterprise, ChatGPT Edu, and API customers using Zero Data Retention endpoints.
