ChatGPT's unprompted name mentions raise privacy concerns among users

Some ChatGPT users have noticed an unsettling change—the AI chatbot is referring to them by name unprompted, even when they haven’t shared their names. As reported by TechCrunch, the unexpected personalisation has sparked mixed reactions, with some calling it “creepy and unnecessary.”


ChatGPT randomly address users by namesSeveral users on X (formerly Twitter) have reported that ChatGPT randomly addresses them by name, despite never inputting personal details. Software developer Simon Willison described the behaviour as “weird and invasive,” while another user, Nick Dobos, said he “hated it.”

Does anyone LIKE the thing where o3 uses your name in its chain of thought, as opposed to finding it creepy and unnecessary? pic.twitter.com/lYRby6BK6J

— Simon Willison (@simonw) April 17, 2025

The change appears to coincide with OpenAI’s upgraded memory feature, which allows ChatGPT to retain details from past conversations. However, some users claim the chatbot mentions their names even when memory settings are disabled, raising concerns about data privacy and AI transparency.


OpenAI’s silence and user reactions

OpenAI has not yet responded to inquiries about the issue, leaving users speculating whether the name usage is intentional or a glitch. The controversy highlights the fine line between personalisation and discomfort, with some users comparing the experience to a teacher repeatedly calling their name in class.


Experts suggest that AI-driven name recognition can feel forced and unnatural, making interactions less authentic rather than more engaging.