Provision record
OpenAI · OpenAI Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Automated Data Collection and Tracking Technologies

Medium severity Common · 296 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

OpenAI automatically collects technical information about your device, browser, IP address, and browsing behaviour using cookies and tracking technologies whenever you use its services.

This analysis describes what OpenAI's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision defines the scope of automated data collection mechanisms that OpenAI operates during service use. The authorization covers both device-level technical data and behavioral usage patterns, establishing the foundation for the company's data collection practices.

Recent Activity

This document changed recently

Medium Jun 12, 2026

The updated policy explicitly discloses that OpenAI receives information from advertisers and other data partners for Free and Go users, and uses this data to personalize ads and measure ad effectiveness. The policy now states that Free and Go users can control what data OpenAI uses to personalize ads through advertising controls in account settings. This represents clarified disclosure of an existing practice rather than a new authorization.

View change record →
Medium Jun 7, 2026

The updated privacy policy now explicitly states that OpenAI receives information from advertisers and other data partners, which is used to personalize ads shown to Free and Go users and to measure the effectiveness of those ads. For example, the policy notes that OpenAI could receive information about purchases users make from advertisers. The policy now includes a dedicated section on ad personalization and measurement as a primary use of personal data for these user tiers. You can manage what data OpenAI uses for ad personalization by accessing the advertising controls in your account settings or by using the Data Controls option.

View change record →
Medium May 1, 2026

The updated policy now explicitly authorizes OpenAI to promote products and services to users through direct marketing on third-party properties and to share limited information with select marketing partners (who are not service providers) to support these efforts. The policy states that some marketing partners may receive information through cookies and similar technologies. The revised terms establish that these marketing practices are subject to user choices and controls, with additional information and opt-out options available. You can make choices about the use of your information for third-party product promotion purposes through controls referenced in the policy.

View change record →

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Simply visiting OpenAI's website or using ChatGPT results in automatic collection of your IP address, device information, and usage patterns, which can be used to build a behavioural profile even if you never create an account.

How other platforms handle this

ZipRecruiter Medium

You may give us your Identity Data, Contact Data, Financial Data, Profile Data, and other information by filling in forms or by corresponding with us by post, phone, e-mail or otherwise.

NVIDIA NIM Medium

NIM container releases that collect data, collect it for the following purposes: (a) to properly configure and optimize products for use with Software; and (b) to improve NVIDIA products and services.

Glassdoor Medium

Some of our ad partners may also enable us to collect similar data directly from their website or app by integrating our or our affiliates' advertising technology.

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
We automatically collect certain information from your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies that are installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Service, we collect information about the individual web pages or products that you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Service, and information about how you interact with the Service. We may also use tracking technologies such as cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect information about your use of the Services.

Excerpt from OpenAI's Privacy Policy

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

(1) REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: GDPR Art.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →

Applicable regulations

EU AI Act
European Union
BIPA
Illinois, USA
California AB 2013 AI Training Data Transparency
US-CA
CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
CAN-SPAM
United States Federal
ePrivacy Directive
European Union
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
UK GDPR
United Kingdom
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US

Provision details

Document information
Document
OpenAI Privacy Policy
Entity
OpenAI
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 10, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-002670
Document ID
CA-D-00010
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
90ad72975ac0d9d86d724561a29d464c061ec09345abf2fde0eccd43d6205bcf
Analysis generated
March 6, 2026 20:23 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: OpenAI
Document: OpenAI Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-002670
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:23:45 UTC
SHA-256: 90ad72975ac0d9d8…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/openai/openai-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-002670/automated-data-collection-and-tracking-technologies/
Accessed: Sept. 20, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does OpenAI's Automated Data Collection and Tracking Technologies clause do?

This provision defines the scope of automated data collection mechanisms that OpenAI operates during service use. The authorization covers both device-level technical data and behavioral usage patterns, establishing the foundation for the company's data collection practices.

How does this clause affect you?

Simply visiting OpenAI's website or using ChatGPT results in automatic collection of your IP address, device information, and usage patterns, which can be used to build a behavioural profile even if you never create an account.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 296 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with OpenAI?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by OpenAI.