Overview
This episode of the WON podcast explains how users can check, update, and control the personal information stored by ChatGPT to ensure privacy and manage AI memory effectively.
How ChatGPT Stores and Uses Memory
- ChatGPT saves details from logged-in conversations to deliver personalized answers, including job, location, plans, and health topics.
- A small "updated saved memory" label appears when ChatGPT stores a new fact, but users often overlook it.
- Over time, the list of saved memories can become extensive, especially for frequent users.
Checking and Editing Stored Information
- Users can ask ChatGPT, "What do you know about me?" to receive a list of stored details.
- At the end of the list, ChatGPT will prompt users to remove or correct any information directly in the chat.
- Mistakes or outdated facts, such as a changed location, can be updated during the conversation.
Managing and Deleting Memories
- To review or delete stored memories, go to profile picture > settings > personalization > manage memories.
- Individual entries can be deleted by clicking the bin icon beside each, or all data can be cleared at once.
- Future saving of personal information can be disabled in the personalization menu by turning off "reference saved memories."
Using Temporary Chats for Privacy
- For sensitive conversations, users can start a temporary chat by clicking the dotted speech bubble next to the profile picture.
- Temporary chats are not saved in history or memory once the session ends.
Security and Privacy Recommendations
- All stored information resides within the user's Open AI account, stressing the importance of strong account security.
- Two-factor authentication can be enabled in settings under security for added protection.
- Users should scan the QR code using an authenticator app and use the six-digit code for new sign-ins.
Takeaways and Best Practices
- Regularly audit and manage ChatGPT's stored memories to maintain privacy.
- Disable memory saving or use temporary chats for sensitive topics.
- Enable two-factor authentication for robust account security.
- Periodically spend time in ChatGPT settings to keep personal data secure.
Recommendations / Advice
- Review and manage AI-stored data as frequently as routine browser maintenance.
- Use privacy features proactively to control what information AI retains and utilizes.