OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Health Feature in the US
OpenAI has unveiled a new feature called ChatGPT Health, allowing users in the United States to upload medical records and fitness data for more personalised health-related responses. While the company says the tool is designed to improve how people access health information, privacy advocates are urging caution.
The new feature enables users to share information from health and fitness apps such as Apple Health, Peloton and MyFitnessPal, alongside their medical records. ChatGPT then analyses this data to provide tailored guidance based on individual health concerns.
OpenAI stressed that conversations within ChatGPT Health will be kept separate from regular chats and will not be used to train its artificial intelligence models. The company also clarified that the tool is not intended to diagnose conditions or recommend treatments.
Andrew Crawford of the US-based Center for Democracy and Technology said strong protections are essential when dealing with sensitive medical information. He warned that health data must be handled with the highest level of care, particularly as AI companies push toward more personalised services.
“AI health tools have the potential to empower patients,” Crawford said. “But medical data is among the most sensitive information people can share, and it must be safeguarded.”
He added that OpenAI’s growing interest in advertising makes it even more important to ensure health data is not mixed with other user information stored by ChatGPT.
OpenAI revealed that more than 230 million people ask its chatbot health-related questions each week. In a blog post, the company said the new feature comes with enhanced privacy protections to secure user data.
The firm described ChatGPT Health as a tool to support healthcare, not replace professional medical advice. Access will initially be limited to a small group of early users, with a waitlist now open to the public.
The feature has not yet launched in the UK, Switzerland or countries within the European Economic Area, where strict data protection regulations apply. OpenAI has not confirmed when or if it plans to expand availability to those regions.
Max Sinclair, CEO of AI marketing platform Azoma, described the launch as a turning point for the industry. He said positioning ChatGPT as a trusted source for medical information could significantly influence how people manage their health and even what products they purchase.
Sinclair also noted that the move could strengthen OpenAI’s position as competition intensifies, particularly from rivals such as Google’s Gemini.
However, Crawford warned that in the US, some companies are not bound by strong health data privacy laws. He cautioned that without proper safeguards, personal medical information could be misused or inadequately protected.
“As companies set their own rules on how health data is collected and stored, weak policies could put sensitive information at serious risk,” he said.
For now, OpenAI says it will closely monitor the rollout as it gradually expands access to ChatGPT Health.
