Can You Get Banned from ChatGPT for Violating the Policy?

Familiarize yourself with ChatGPT's usage policies and bannable offenses

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: March 8, 2023

Can you get banned from ChatGPT?

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What is considered disallowed usage?

Do you want to know if it's possible to get banned from using ChatGPT? You may be banned if you violate OpenAI's terms of service. This includes illegal activity, adult content, and more. If you see "User not allowed," don't worry. In most cases, this is a server error rather than a ban. This wikiHow will update you on ChatGPT's latest usage policies and how to avoid getting your account banned.

Things You Should Know

If you violate the usage policies, OpenAI can suspend or terminate your account.
Disallowed usage includes: illegal activity, violent content, adult content, fraudulent activity, and more.
If you see "User now allowed," this may be a server error rather than a ban. Try to login again during non-peak times.

Section 1 of 2:

Can you get banned from ChatGPT?

Yes—you can get banned from ChatGPT. OpenAI has usage policies that apply to all models, tools, and services. This includes ChatGPT as a whole. If you're discovered participating in disallowed usage, you may receive an initial warning and request to make the necessary changes.
- If the violation is a repeated offense, or if it's deemed serious, OpenAI will suspend or terminate your account.
- If you haven't violated the usage policies but can't access your account, ChatGPT may be at capacity. Try to log in again after peak hours.

Section 2 of 2:

What is considered disallowed usage?

ChatGPT policies are always developing. Since ChatGPT is relatively new (launched in November 2022), the usage policies may change as new abuse methods appear. Be sure to follow these guidelines if you want to continue using ChatGPT. Currently, OpenAI does not allow any of the following^{[1]
X
Research source}:
- Illegal activity
- Child Sexual Abuse Material or any content that exploits or harms children
- Generation of hateful, harassing, or violent content
- Generation of malware
- Activity that has high risk of physical harm
- Activity that has high risk of economic harm
- Fraudulent or deceptive activity
- Adult content, adult industries, and dating apps
- Political campaigning or lobbying
- Activity that violates people’s privacy
- Engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, or offering tailored legal advice without a qualified person reviewing the information
- Offering tailored financial advice without a qualified person reviewing the information
- Telling someone that they have or do not have a certain health condition, or providing instructions on how to cure or treat a health condition
- High risk government decision-making