OpenAI has made major updates to its usage policies, confirming that ChatGPT will no longer give health and legal advice directly to users. The change, effective from late October 2025, clarifies that the AI chatbot can share general information but cannot offer personalised medical, legal, or financial recommendations.
The update was introduced to improve safety, prevent misuse, and comply with evolving global regulations around AI technology. The Verge
Why ChatGPT Will No Longer Give Health and Legal Advice
OpenAI said it aims to protect users from the risks of relying on AI for high-stakes decisions such as legal disputes or medical diagnoses. In recent months, several incidents showed people using AI tools for sensitive advice, raising ethical and safety concerns.
The updated policy means ChatGPT:
- Will not offer direct legal counsel or prepare legal documents for users.
- Will not diagnose medical conditions or prescribe treatments.
- Will continue to offer general educational content (e.g., explaining laws, describing medical terms).
According to OpenAI’s updated Usage Policies (Oct 2025), ChatGPT should not “replace licensed professionals or provide advice requiring medical, legal, or financial certification.”
What ChatGPT Can Still Do
Even though ChatGPT will no longer give health and legal advice, users can still rely on it for informational assistance, such as:
- Explaining medical concepts: For example, what cholesterol is or how diabetes affects the body.
- Clarifying legal principles: Such as understanding what a contract or a trademark means.
- Preparing for professional consultations: Users can ask ChatGPT to help draft questions to ask their doctor or lawyer.
This balanced approach ensures the tool remains useful while avoiding potential misuse.
The Real Reason Behind the Change
Industry experts say this move helps OpenAI reduce liability and align with AI safety regulations in the U.S., EU, and Asia. Governments are tightening control over AI systems that provide sensitive information.
By restricting health and legal advice, OpenAI wants to:
- Protect user safety — AI mistakes in medical or legal matters can cause real harm.
- Meet new compliance standards — Regulators demand that AI systems clearly define their limits.
- Maintain trust — Transparency about what ChatGPT can and cannot do improves credibility.
As OpenAI CEO Sam Altman clarified, “ChatGPT is not a doctor or lawyer, and it should never replace one.”
How It Affects Users
If you used ChatGPT for writing contracts, getting fitness guidance, or understanding medications, you’ll notice some prompts now trigger a disclaimer like:
“I can’t provide medical or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional.”
This doesn’t mean ChatGPT is less powerful — rather, it’s more responsible. The system still supports research, content creation, and general knowledge queries while avoiding risky, personalised advice.
Users seeking reliable answers for medical or legal concerns will now be redirected to verified professionals or credible resources, such as:
- Health: Mayo Clinic, WHO, or NHS websites.
- Law: Government legal portals, licensed lawyers, or verified legal databases.
What’s Next for ChatGPT and AI Regulations
This update may mark the beginning of a broader global trend. Other AI companies are expected to adopt similar safeguards. As AI grows more powerful, ensuring ethical and safe deployment will remain a top priority.
Experts predict new AI rules will require:
- Disclosure of AI use in sensitive conversations.
- Mandatory professional oversight for advice-based tools.
- Transparent data handling and user consent mechanisms.
Conclusion
The policy shift where ChatGPT will no longer give health and legal advice underscores OpenAI’s commitment to responsible AI use. While this limits certain personalised interactions, it also enhances user safety, trust, and compliance with global standards.
ChatGPT will continue to help millions by simplifying complex information, but when it comes to personal legal or medical matters, human experts remain irreplaceable.
