OpenAI Ends ChatGPT "Share" Feature After Chats Show in Google Search
OpenAI has cut a key part that let shared ChatGPT chats show up in Google search. Find out why this is big, how it came to be, and what's new now.
OpenAI included a section in ChatGPT that made discovery of user conversations easy. When users hit "Share" and agreed to make their chat easy to find, Google could list the shared link, making private talks open to all. Fast Company says over 4,500 shared ChatGPT links hit Google — some had private or personal info. OpenAI has now pulled this feature and started to take down old shared links.
How the Feature Worked
When users tapped "Share" and said yes to "Make this chat findable," their talk was out in the open. Even with clear yes needed, many did not get that this made their chats easy to find on Google. OpenAI says it turned off this option and is taking out listed content. Old links might still show for a bit because of saved search results.
Risks From This Event
Though names weren't shared, some talks had job stuff, mental health talks, and deep thoughts. Any small bits of personal info in chats meant big risks to privacy. Tech safety pros see this as a push for more clear AI planning.
OpenAI’s Action and Future Steps
OpenAI's key security officer, Dane Stuckey, called the tool a “short test” that “let too many people share stuff they did not want to.” Users have only by the next day to see the tool gone for good. OpenAI is also talking to Google and other engines to pull old shared chats off the search list.
What Users Need to Do
●If you have ever hit “Share” and made the chat open, go to your Shared Links area and take out public talks.
●Search using site:chatgpt.com/share with your name or key words to find if your talks are on the list.
●Don’t put personal or secret stuff in chats you share.
●Think of ChatGPT conversations as emails- they are private unless you want to make them public.
Final Thought
This case shows how even small design choices can lead to big risks for privacy. OpenAI took away the search-linked feature fast to show they care a lot about keeping user info safe. But, it also points out that users must watch out with their share settings. For now, see every AI chat you share as possibly open—and think hard before you make it "discoverable."
