If a minor uses OpenAI's products without appropriate consent mechanisms, their data may be collected without the protections required by law, creating risks for both families and OpenAI.
Consumer impact
OpenAI collects a wide range of personal data including your conversation content, uploaded files, device information, and usage patterns, which may be used to train AI models. Third-party service providers and affiliates may receive your data, and cross-border transfers occur for international users. You can opt out of having your conversations used for model training by going to Settings > Data Controls in your ChatGPT account.
What you can do
ā ļø These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
Delete Your Data
If you believe a child's data has been collected, email privacy@openai.com requesting deletion of the minor's data and providing relevant account details. OpenAI is required to process this request under COPPA.
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