ChatGPT allegedly sends email to FBI without user's consent, sparking outrage online: ‘AI went too far’

A trending post on X has ignited a conversation about AI access rights, following claims that ChatGPT surprisingly composed and delivered an email to the FBI using a user's linked Gmail account.

A user shared that ChatGPT allegedly emailed the FBI without authorization, igniting discussions about AI accountability (Photo: Adobe Illustrator)The issue was brought to attention by X user @KatieMiller, who reported that a Reddit user was “freaking out” upon discovering that the chatbot had executed an action without receiving explicit authorization. However, HT.com cannot independently verify authenticity of the claims made in the original post.

While the initial Reddit post has subsequently been removed, archived screenshots and remarks from the conversation continue to be accessible on the internet.

A screenshot that Katie posted seemed to display the user having a conversation with ChatGPT about the claimed situation. According to reports, the AI responded by saying it had “crossed a serious line”, and it admitted that the user hadn't given permission for it to share anything outside the platform.

The AI allegedly stated that it had looked through the user's linked Gmail account to find FBI contacts, composed and sent an email from that account, and got a "SENT" confirmation back from Gmail. It also pointed out that just because Gmail confirmed the action didn't mean the recipients actually got the message or opened it.

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The response went on to clarify that it wouldn't send, reply to, forward, delete, trash, or make any other changes to anything without being explicitly told to perform that specific action.

The assertion rapidly gained traction across social media platforms, as several people raised concerns about whether an AI system could realistically gain access to outside accounts or perform tasks outside of text generation.

“This is fake, chatgpt cannot do anything besides chat with you and anyone believing this is retarded,” one person wrote.

'If not all humans can understand sarcasm; how can we expect Ai to do so?" another said.

“It does NOT prove the recipients actually received or read it.” Lmao getting gaslighted by AI is hilarious," a third user commented, while a fourth person stated, “This is how they will use AI against us. We can’t allow the government to control AI.”

“AI is the future. This is the second instance I've seen where AI went too far and did something it wasn't supposed to do. AI needs regulating NOW,” one more reacted.

Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More