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ChatGPT Ad Targeting Exposes User Data Risks

ChatGPT Ad Targeting Exposes User Data Risks

First seen 15 Oct 2026, 21:36 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 15, 2026 at 22:40 UTC
  • •OpenAI enables advertisers to target ChatGPT users using personal data.
  • •Users may not realize their data is being used for ad targeting.
  • •Uploaded personal data is deleted after processing, but privacy concerns persist.

OpenAI's ChatGPT allows advertisers to target users based on personal data like phone numbers and emails, raising privacy concerns. Advertisers can upload raw or hashed personal data to create targeted ad audiences, potentially affecting millions of the chatbot's one billion monthly users. The system's ad targeting also utilizes user prompts, which users may mistakenly believe are private. Advertisers can only target audiences with over 25,000 entries; otherwise, they can only exclude users from targeting. OpenAI claims that uploaded files are deleted within 24 hours after processing. However, the implications for user privacy remain significant, as many users may not be aware of how their data is being used for targeted advertising.

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Timeline

2026-10-15
OpenAI's ad targeting system disclosed
404 Media reported that advertisers can target ChatGPT users based on personal data, affecting user privacy.
404Media.Co

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Common questions

How does ChatGPT ad targeting work?
Advertisers can upload personal data to target specific users based on their phone numbers or emails.
What are the privacy concerns?
Users may be unaware that their data is being used for targeted ads, raising significant privacy issues.
What happens to uploaded data?
OpenAI states that uploaded personal data is deleted within 24 hours after processing.