OpenAI has launched a new feature in the United States called ChatGPT Health, which allows users to upload medical records and health app data to receive more personalised responses. While the tool aims to improve how people access health-related information, privacy advocates have raised concerns about the handling of sensitive personal data.
Users can connect information from apps such as Apple Health, Peloton, and MyFitnessPal, as well as upload medical records. The system then analyses this data to provide tailored health insights. OpenAI has clarified that the feature is not intended for medical diagnosis or treatment.
The company also stated that ChatGPT Health conversations will be stored separately from other chats and will not be used to train its AI models.
Privacy Concerns Raised by Campaigners
Andrew Crawford from the Center for Democracy and Technology emphasised the importance of strong protections for health data.
“Health information is among the most sensitive data people can share, and it must be protected with airtight safeguards,” he said.
Crawford added that as OpenAI explores advertising as part of its business model, it is essential that health data remains strictly separated from other user information collected by ChatGPT.
OpenAI has reported that over 230 million users ask health and wellbeing questions on the platform each week, highlighting the growing demand for personalised health support.
Designed to Support, Not Replace, Medical Care
In a blog post, OpenAI said ChatGPT Health includes enhanced privacy measures and is designed to assist users rather than replace professional medical advice.
The company stressed that the feature is meant to help people better understand their health information, not provide clinical diagnoses or treatment plans.
A Potential Turning Point for AI in Healthcare
Max Sinclair, CEO of AI marketing platform Azoma, described the launch as a “watershed moment” for generative AI in healthcare.
He said OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as a trusted source of medical guidance, which could influence both patient care and consumer purchasing decisions related to health.
Sinclair also suggested the feature could give OpenAI a competitive advantage as it faces increasing rivalry from other AI platforms, including Google’s Gemini.
Limited Availability and Regulatory Barriers
ChatGPT Health is currently available only to a small group of early users in the US, with a waitlist open for others who wish to join.
The feature has not been launched in the UK, Switzerland, or the European Economic Area due to strict regulations on how companies collect, store, and process personal health data.
Crawford warned that in the US, where privacy rules vary, some companies may collect and use health data without sufficient safeguards.
“Each company sets its own rules for handling health data,” he said.
“Inadequate protections can put sensitive personal information at serious risk.”