Your public ChatGPT queries are getting indexed by Google and other search engines

A curious phenomenon has surfaced: by filtering search results on major search engines like Google and Bing to display only URLs from the domain "https://chatgpt.com/share," users can stumble upon the private conversations of others with ChatGPT. These shared discussions can range from mundane requests for home renovation tips and culinary ideas to more personal inquiries, such as one user seeking assistance with their resume for a specific job application. Interestingly, despite their earnest intentions, the job seeker did not secure the position, as revealed by their LinkedIn profile, which was easily accessible through the chat log details. Some of the conversations take a more unusual turn, with one individual posing questions reminiscent of discussions found on incel forums. Another user playfully asked the AI assistant whether it is safe to microwave a metal fork, prompting the bot to respond negatively. This sparked a series of increasingly bizarre questions that culminated in the creation of a satirical guide titled “How to Use a Microwave Without Summoning Satan: A Beginner’s Guide.” It's important to note that ChatGPT does not automatically make these conversations public. A conversation will only receive a “/share” URL if the user actively selects the “share” option and subsequently clicks a second “create link” button. OpenAI has emphasized that “your name, custom instructions, and any messages you add after sharing stay private.” Yet, many users may not foresee that their shared ChatGPT links could be indexed by Google, inadvertently exposing personal information. This occurrence reflects a broader trend established by Google, where publicly shared links to Google Drive files can be indexed if set to “Anyone with link can view.” Typically, Google does not display links to unlisted Drive documents in search results unless they are connected to a reputable website. However, this standard does not seem to apply to the ChatGPT conversation logs. A Google spokesperson stated to TechCrunch, “Neither Google nor any other search engine controls what pages are made public on the web. Publishers of these pages have full control over whether they are indexed by search engines.”