How to delete your ChatGPT search history and OpenAI account

Take control of your personal data on OpenAI's ChatGPT using these simple steps.

ChatGPT is generative AI; in simple terms, it is an AI that can generate content rather than just analyse or act on existing data. (Image: AP)

Large datasets typically serve as the backbone for any generative AI model, and there’s significant scrutiny regarding how extensively language models like ChatGPT utilise personal data. If you’re a ChatGPT user concerned about the usage of personal data, here’s a quick guide on how to delete all your data from OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

OpenAI provides comprehensive data control features for its users. This includes an option where you can permit the company to use your data for model training, the ability to clear all chat history, and the choice to permanently delete your OpenAI account. Once deleted, you won’t be able to access ChatGPT using the same email account.

Also read | Best AI tools of 2023: ChatGPT rules the roost, followed by Copilot, Midjourney, and more

How to disable ChatGPT from using chat history for training

Open the ChatGPT app and click on the profile icon located at the bottom left corner > select Data Controls > Within this option, disable ‘Chat History and Training.’ This action will prevent OpenAI from utilising your personal data to train the models.

Procedure to delete ChatGPT account (Express Photo)

How to delete ChatGPT search history

Go to ‘Data Controls’ within the app, Click on ‘Clear Chat History,’

Please note that once deleted, this data cannot be recovered. It’s advised to export this data before clearing the search history, which can also be done from the same menu.

Procedure to delete OpenAI account (Express Photo)

How to delete an OpenAI account

You can permanently delete your OpenAI account from the ChatGPT app’s ‘Data Controls’ menu. Upon deletion, you will lose all access to ChatGPT, and you’ll need a new email ID to regain access.

While the aforementioned procedure works for smartphone users (Android and iOS), if you are accessing ChatGPT from a web browser on a PC/Mac, then you can also do the same from the settings menu.