A recent experiment by OpenAI revealed that conversations on its ChatGPT platform can be made discoverable on search engines like Google and Bing. The feature was intentionally introduced to see how users would share their interactions with the AI assistant, but it ultimately raised concerns about user privacy.
Users could filter search results to only include URLs from the “https://chatgpt.com/share” domain, which revealed strangers’ conversations with ChatGPT. These shared conversation links included various topics, such as home renovation, astrophysics, and recipe ideas. However, some users also asked absurd or trollish questions, leading to a guide called “How to Use a Microwave Without Summoning Satan: A Beginner’s Guide.”
It’s worth noting that conversations are not public by default and only become accessible when the user deliberately clicks the “share” button and creates a link. OpenAI assures users that their name, custom instructions, and any messages added after sharing remain private.
The experiment highlighted how search engines can index shared links, potentially revealing personal information without users’ knowledge. This phenomenon is not unique to ChatGPT, as Google also indexes public links to files from Google Drive under certain settings.
OpenAI has since removed the feature, citing concerns about users inadvertently sharing sensitive information. The company emphasizes that users are in control of their conversations and can choose whether or not they want them to be shared online.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/31/your-public-chatgpt-queries-are-getting-indexed-by-google-and-other-search-engines