ChatGPT's data controls, explained
What OpenAI does with your chats by default, and the settings that change it.
Jamie Owen Updated 31 Jul 2026 fast-moving: check a current source
Consumer settings change more often than OpenAI's enterprise commitments.
The single most common question about ChatGPT at work is “does it train on what I type?” The answer depends on which product you’re using and which settings are on, so it’s worth knowing the specifics rather than assuming the best or the worst.
Consumer vs business
In the consumer app, whether your conversations may be used to improve models depends on your settings, and there’s a control to turn it off. In the business and enterprise products (Team, Enterprise, and the API), business data is not used to train models by default. That’s a different commitment, aimed at organisations.
The controls worth checking
“Improve the model for everyone” is the toggle that governs whether your chats can be used in training; off means they’re not. “Temporary chat” gives you a session that isn’t saved to your history. Retention, meaning how long conversations are kept, differs by product and configuration, so check yours rather than assuming.
“Not used for training” is not the same as “never stored”. Chats can still be retained for a period to run the service and handle abuse. Check the retention terms, not just the training toggle.
For sensitive work, the principle is the same as with Copilot’s boundary: know the setting, don’t assume it.
Sources
Everything above was checked against these on 31 Jul 2026. Providers change things without notice. If a detail matters to a decision, follow the link.