OpenAI deleted my account today
Users report sudden account deletions, with OpenAI demanding ID photos via Stripe to restore access.
OpenAI has come under scrutiny after a user reported their account, including an active ChatGPT Plus subscription, was deactivated without warning. The user received an email directing them to verify their identity by submitting front and back photos of a government ID through a Stripe verification portal. This demand for sensitive personal data, especially from a long-term paying customer, sparked immediate concern and backlash within the online community.
The situation escalated as other users reported similar experiences, suggesting a potential wave of mistaken deactivations. Facing public pressure, OpenAI quickly reversed course. The company emailed the affected user, admitting they had "incorrectly deactivated" the account, restored access, and issued an apology. This rapid resolution indicates the action was an error in their automated systems rather than a deliberate policy change.
This incident underscores the fragile trust between users and AI platform providers. It raises critical questions about the transparency of account security protocols, the use of third-party services like Stripe for sensitive KYC (Know Your Customer) checks, and the potential for overreach in verification processes. For professionals and businesses building workflows on these platforms, such disruptions pose a significant operational risk.
- OpenAI deactivated accounts of paying ChatGPT Plus subscribers without prior communication.
- The initial fix required users to submit government ID photos via a third-party Stripe verification link.
- After user backlash, OpenAI admitted fault, restored accounts, and apologized for the incorrect deactivations.
Why It Matters
Highlights the operational risk for professionals dependent on AI platforms, where account access can be revoked abruptly.