Why you Really Shouldn’t Use ChatGPT to Defame your Competitors
UPDATE 1 AUGUST 2025
After all the fuss, OpenAI has pulled shared ChatGPT chats out of Google search. They’ve even taken away the option to make them public in the first place. So if you try searching site:chatgpt.com/share on Google now, you’ll come up empty—nothing left to see here.
At the start of August, anyone working in martech would’ve been gobsmacked at OpenAI’s latest decision in their operations: suddenly, if you’d shared a ChatGPT conversation, it could be found on Google—sometimes full of juicy, cringeworthy, or even sensitive details. We’re talking business plans, private CV advice, even a few “shouldn’t have said that” jokes. The digital curtain was yanked back, and, for a hot minute, it felt like anyone’s business could be everyone’s business.
Well, that chapter’s officially over. OpenAI saw the backlash, got the memo, and quietly swept the decks: no more ChatGPT chats in Google Search, no more “discoverable” checkboxes. Search site:chatgpt.com/share now, and you’ll come up blank.
It’s one of those rare tech stories with a quick ending. But there are some lessons we should take with us—especially if you’re running a local business.
What Actually Happened?
To catch you up:
- ChatGPT let users share conversations via a public link.
- Google started indexing those shared chats.
- Suddenly, anything you’d shared with a mate or coworker could end up searchable—potentially leaking sensitive info, business ideas, or just a few embarrassing typos for all to see.
- Cue panic, memes, and a short-lived wave of folks getting creative with what they put out there. (We saw cheeky “fake drama” and even a few attempts to prank competitors.)
- Within weeks, OpenAI locked it down.
What Should You Take Away From This?
1. Privacy Online Is Fickle
If it’s on the internet, it can get out. That goes for AI, cloud docs, group chats, and socials. When in doubt, keep sensitive stuff out of public tools.
It’s tempting to score a cheap win at a rival’s expense. But honestly, if all you do is talk about the other guy, you’ll get stuck playing catch-up. Grow your own voice, and let your wins do the talking.
AI is powerful (and fun), but it’s made by humans—so there are always quirks and slip-ups. Keep your antenna up, keep learning, but don’t lose yourself chasing hacks or shortcuts.
OpenAI cleaned up fast, but stories like this remind us: your reputation is gold, and trust is everything—especially in small business.
Still got questions about AI, privacy, or just how to keep your brand safe and strong? Drop us a message. We’re here to help you stand out for the right reasons.
