Anything you say (to AI) can and will be used against you in a court of law

Legal experts are raising fresh concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, warning that conversations with chatbots could potentially be used as evidence in court cases. As AI platforms become more integrated into everyday life, lawyers are cautioning users against treating them as private or legally protected spaces.

The warning follows a recent ruling by a federal court in New York, where AI chat records linked to a former company executive were deemed admissible in legal proceedings. The decision has highlighted a key issue: unlike discussions with a lawyer, conversations with AI systems are not protected by attorney-client privilege, meaning they can be accessed and presented in court if required.

Experts also stress that sharing sensitive legal advice or personal information with AI tools could unintentionally weaken confidentiality protections. If users input details from private discussions with their lawyers into AI platforms, that information may lose its protected status.

While AI chatbots remain powerful and convenient tools, specialists are urging caution. Users are advised to avoid sharing confidential, financial, or legally sensitive information, as the line between private conversation and public record may be far thinner than many realise.