GoKawiilStudy finds ChatGPT's memory logs detailed psychological data on users without consent
Researchers from Germany, India and the Netherlands analyzed 80 real-world ChatGPT users' donated chat logs, obtained via EU data access rights, and found 2,050 memory entries across 65 users. The study, presented at the ACM Web Conference 2026, found 96% of these memories were created by ChatGPT itself rather than by user request, with 28% containing GDPR-defined personal data and 52% containing psychological insights about users.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings suggest chatbot memory systems may be quietly compiling sensitive behavioral and psychological profiles as a byproduct of ordinary conversation, raising questions about consent and oversight that current privacy frameworks may not fully address. Lead author Abhisek Dash suggests this marks a shift from ad-driven data collection toward companies directly engaging users to gather deeper personal insight, which could inform future product personalization or raise new regulatory scrutiny.
- Researchers examined 2,050 ChatGPT memory entries from 65 users obtained through EU data access laws.
- 96% of memory entries were generated automatically by ChatGPT rather than requested by users.
- 28% of memories held GDPR-defined personal data and 52% contained psychological insights about users.
Source: futurism.com — Maggie Harrison Dupré, 2026-10-25
Published there as: “ChatGPT Is Building Detailed Psychological Profiles of Its Users”
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