OpenAI Sued for Sharing ChatGPT User Data With Meta and Google
A class action lawsuit filed in California alleges that OpenAI embedded Meta Pixel and Google Analytics tracking technology in ChatGPT that automatically transmitted users' chat queries, email addresses, and user IDs to Meta and Google without consent, violating privacy laws.
What happened
A class action lawsuit filed in California on May 14, 2026 alleges that OpenAI embedded Meta Pixel and Google Analytics tracking technology into ChatGPT's web interface without user consent.
The complaint claims that OpenAI's tracking code automatically transmitted users' chat query topics, email addresses, and user IDs to Meta and Google in real-time, enabling targeted advertising. The lawsuit alleges this violates the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, California's Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), and California state constitutional privacy rights.
Reported impact
The lawsuit contends that users had a reasonable expectation that sensitive conversations on ChatGPT—including discussions about finances, health, legal issues, and personal matters—would remain private between themselves and OpenAI.
The complaint seeks injunctive relief and statutory damages of approximately ₹5,000 per violation under California Penal Code Section 637.2, potentially representing billions in liability given ChatGPT's millions of users.
Index analysis
The lawsuit describes a data-tracking mechanism where Facebook Pixel code triggers real-time requests to Meta's servers transmitting content-derived context and cookies tied to specific Facebook accounts, while Google Analytics enriches the data with cross-device behavior and demographic signals for remarketing.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.