OpenAI has removed a short-lived ChatGPT feature that let users make their conversations publicly searchable, following concerns it could lead to accidental exposure of sensitive content.
The tool, which allowed users to mark chats as “discoverable” for indexing by search engines like Google, was meant to highlight informative conversations. While shared content was anonymized and required multiple opt-in steps, OpenAI admitted users could still unintentionally reveal private details.
“We just removed a feature from @ChatGPTapp that allowed users to make their conversations discoverable by search engines,” said Dane Stuckey, OpenAI’s Chief Information Security Officer, on X. “It introduced too many chances for people to share things they didn’t mean to.”
The move came after reports showed some shared chats were appearing in Google search results, including discussions on mental health and workplace matters. Though names weren’t attached, the content itself sometimes included personal topics.
OpenAI confirmed the feature is being disabled across all accounts and that it’s coordinating with search engines to delist indexed content. The cleanup is expected to be done by Friday.
Originally launched to make helpful chatbot exchanges accessible to more people, the feature’s removal reflects the ongoing tension between openness and user privacy as AI becomes more integrated into everyday life.