OpenAI Forbids ChatGPT Account Sharing, Citing Security and Policy Breaches

A recent social media post by Maia Bittner, stating, "I have to admit I never thought about sharing a ChatGPT account to save money," has highlighted a common user consideration that directly conflicts with OpenAI's strict terms of service. While the idea of cost-saving through shared subscriptions might appeal to some, OpenAI explicitly prohibits such practices for individual accounts due to significant security and operational risks. This policy underscores the company's commitment to user data integrity and service personalization. OpenAI's official account sharing policy clearly states that individual accounts are intended for the sole use of the person who created them. According to the company's help center, "Your OpenAI account is meant for you—the individual who created it." The terms of use further emphasize this, noting, "You may not share your account credentials or make your account available to anyone else." The prohibition stems from several critical concerns, primarily security and the potential for misuse. Sharing login credentials can expose personal data and payment information, creating significant security vulnerabilities for users. Furthermore, multiple individuals using a single account increase the risk of policy violations and can disrupt the personalized experience that OpenAI's services are designed to offer. As one security expert noted in a 2025 analysis, "Sharing logins creates real risk. It can trigger suspicious-activity flags, expose payment data, and violate usage policies that may lead to temporary limits or account deactivation." For organizations or groups requiring multi-user access to ChatGPT, OpenAI provides legitimate solutions such as ChatGPT Team and Enterprise plans. These dedicated offerings allow businesses to add multiple users, ensuring compliance with terms of service while providing administrative controls and enhanced privacy features. This contrasts sharply with the unauthorized sharing of individual accounts, which can lead to account deactivation or other penalties. The discussion initiated by Bittner's tweet reflects a broader user tendency to seek cost-effective ways to access popular digital services. However, in the case of AI platforms like ChatGPT, the inherent risks associated with unauthorized account sharing, particularly concerning data privacy and service integrity, far outweigh any perceived financial benefits. Users are advised to adhere to OpenAI's official guidelines to maintain account security and ensure uninterrupted access to services.