ChatGPT halts medical, legal, financial advice to reclassify as educational tool

OpenAI has announced a major update to its ChatGPT usage policy which officially prohibits the AI system from providing medical, legal, or financial advice that requires professional licensing. 

The updated rules, which took effect on October 29, explicitly forbid using ChatGPT for consultations that require professional certification. 

The company is reclassifying the Large Language Model as an educational tool rather than a consultant, a shift driven primarily by concerns over liability and regulatory compliance.
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AI will limit its response to explaining general principles and outlining mechanisms. Users seeking professional guidance will now be explicitly told to consult with a certified doctor, lawyer, or financial professional.

Beyond medical and legal guidance, the policy also prohibits AI from being used for making critical decisions in areas such as finance, education, housing, migration, or employment without human oversight.

This directly addresses the long-standing concerns about the reliability and potential harm of dispensing sensitive, professional advice through an uncertified AI. 

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The move is a direct response to regulations and liability fears intended to shield the company from potential lawsuits.

Consequently, ChatGPT will no longer offer specific advice, such as naming medications, providing dosages, offering lawsuit templates, or suggesting investment tips.