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OpenAI is storing deleted ChatGPT conversations as part of its NYT lawsuit

Jun 06, 2025 - theverge.com
OpenAI is required to store deleted ChatGPT conversations indefinitely due to a court order related to a copyright lawsuit filed by _The New York Times_. The lawsuit accuses OpenAI and Microsoft of using the newspaper's articles to train AI models without permission. The court's decision mandates OpenAI to preserve all output log data, even if users request deletion, which the company is appealing as an "overreach" that undermines privacy norms. This order affects free, Pro, Plus, and Team ChatGPT users but not ChatGPT Enterprise, ChatGPT Edu customers, or businesses with a zero data retention agreement.

OpenAI's policy typically involves retaining deleted chats for 30 days before permanent deletion, but this process is now on hold. The stored data will not be public and will only be accessible to a small, audited legal and security team at OpenAI for legal purposes. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed opposition to the court's demand, emphasizing the importance of user privacy. _The New York Times_ argues that retaining user data could help preserve evidence for its case but declined to comment further.

Key takeaways:

  • OpenAI is required to store deleted ChatGPT conversations indefinitely due to a court order related to a copyright lawsuit by The New York Times.
  • The court order affects free, Pro, Plus, and Team ChatGPT users, but not ChatGPT Enterprise or ChatGPT Edu customers.
  • OpenAI is appealing the court's decision, arguing it compromises user privacy and sets a bad precedent.
  • The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, claiming they used the newspaper's articles to train AI models.
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