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Is ChatGPT safe to use?

Safe with care

Safe for everyday use, but chats are stored and can be used to train models unless you opt out. Don't paste sensitive data.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
OpenAI
Based in
San Francisco, USA
Encryption
Encrypted in transit and at rest; not end-to-end.
Data it collects
Your prompts, uploads, account and device data.
Minimum age
13+ with parental consent; parental controls since September 2025

What keeps you safe

  • Temporary Chat and an opt-out from training.
  • Parental controls and teen protections since late 2025.
  • Two-factor authentication.

Risks to know about

  • Italy fined OpenAI €15 million in December 2024 over data processing.
  • A 2025 court order in the New York Times case temporarily required OpenAI to keep deleted chats.
  • Fake ChatGPT apps and browser extensions steal data.

Scams to watch for on ChatGPT

  • Paid "ChatGPT Premium" apps that aren't from OpenAI.
  • Browser extensions that read your chats.

Is ChatGPT legit?

ChatGPT is OpenAI's official product; many lookalike apps are not.

Is it safe for kids?

Use the parental controls and teen account settings.

How to use ChatGPT safely

  1. Turn off "Improve the model for everyone".

  2. Use Temporary Chat for sensitive questions.

  3. Use only chatgpt.com and OpenAI's official apps.

Where ChatGPT is restricted

Does a VPN make ChatGPT safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop ChatGPT collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is ChatGPT safe to use?

Safe for everyday use, but chats are stored and can be used to train models unless you opt out. Don't paste sensitive data.

Is ChatGPT legit?

ChatGPT is OpenAI's official product; many lookalike apps are not.

Is ChatGPT encrypted?

Encrypted in transit and at rest; not end-to-end.

What data does ChatGPT collect?

Your prompts, uploads, account and device data.

Is ChatGPT safe for kids?

Use the parental controls and teen account settings.

Does a VPN make ChatGPT safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on ChatGPT. It does not stop ChatGPT itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources