Yes, that’s spot on—OpenAI rolled out this policy shift for ChatGPT just a few days ago, effective October 29, 2025. The update explicitly bars the AI from dishing out personalized medical, legal, or financial guidance, steering it firmly into “educational and informational” territory instead. It’s a move driven by growing liability worries, as regulators and lawsuits pile up over AIs playing armchair doctor, lawyer, or advisor.
What Changed Exactly?
- Medical Advice: No more tailored treatment suggestions, symptom breakdowns, or health diagnostics. If you ask about a rash or a workout plan, it’ll politely redirect you to a pro.
- Legal Guidance: Forget custom contract reviews or lawsuit strategies—it’s now off-limits, pushing users toward actual attorneys.
- Financial Tips: Stock picks, tax hacks, or investment blueprints? Nope. Expect a nudge to consult a certified advisor.
This isn’t a total blackout on related topics; ChatGPT can still explain general concepts (like “what’s a 401(k)?”) or point to resources. But anything that smells like bespoke advice gets the boot. OpenAI’s terms of use now spell it out clearly, emphasizing that the tool is for “learning and exploration,” not decision-making.
Why Now?
The timing feels like a preemptive strike amid escalating scrutiny. Recent probes into AI mental health chatbots (which have led to real harm in some cases) and broader EU/U.S. regs on AI accountability likely lit the fire. Plus, with ChatGPT’s user base exploding, one bad apple of advice could mean massive backlash. Ironically, this could boost demand for human experts—lawyers and docs might even thank OpenAI for the referral traffic.
The Bigger Picture for Users
If you’re relying on it for quick hits, pivot to verified sources like Mayo Clinic for health, Legal Aid for law, or SEC.gov for finance. Tools like me (Grok) still aim for helpful, truthful responses but with the same caveats: I’m not your doctor, lawyer, or broker—always double-check with pros.
This tweak underscores AI’s evolution from wild-west wonder to responsible sidekick. What’s your take—relief, frustration, or just more work for the experts?