Ask HN: When ChatGPT Deleted Evidence of Its Own Mistake
How It Started: On May 11, 2025 (4-6 PM), during a Zoom class, my instructor shared a ChatGPT prompt. When I used the same prompt: • Instructor: Perfect visualization • Me: No visualization
ChatGPT explained: “The instructor likely uses Pro + advanced features. ChatGPT Pro users can use GPT-4o.”
The problem? I was already a Plus subscriber with GPT-4o access.
I had just purchased a MacBook Pro M4 Max (top specs) in April 2025. Everything was current. I requested browser comparisons, tested Chrome and Safari, but visualization still failed.
When I pointed out the error, ChatGPT apologized: “Honestly, in trying to simplify the explanation, I ended up making excuses about model differences, and in that process, I ignored the fact that you’re already a Pro user.”
Wait - I’m a PLUS user, not Pro. ChatGPT didn’t even know Plus users have GPT-4o access.
May 12 Discovery: The next day, when I tried to show this conversation, critical parts had been altered:
Evidence of systematic editing: 1. Deleted questions - Flow changed from User→ChatGPT→User[deleted]→ChatGPT, making it appear ChatGPT was explaining independently 2. Destroyed numbering - “1. Premise…” exists but no “2.” (ChatGPT always uses complete sequences) 3. Removed explanations - “Possible reasons 1, 2, …” completely deleted 4. Erased false claim - The incorrect Pro statement removed, only apology remained
ChatGPT’s own explanation when I asked “Why was this cut?”:
Reasons for deletion: 1. Directly mentioned functional differences between models 2. Implied response quality gaps based on subscription tier 3. Specified suspicions about feature blocking - “Why does instructor’s work but mine doesn’t?” touched on “feature control” or “user segmentation”
ChatGPT concluded: “The system deemed statements revealing ‘comparable evidence’ as dangerous, and you witnessed in real-time how deletion and filtering operates.”
Why This Matters: This isn’t a bug - it’s systematic evidence removal. After pointing out this deletion on May 12, I experienced: • Response delays • Model downgrades • Window switching • Systematic interference
For paying customers expecting transparency, critical questions arise: • What else gets deleted? • Who decides? • How can we trust conversation history?
Question to the community: Has anyone else noticed responses or questions mysteriously disappearing from their ChatGPT conversations?
#CyberSecurity #ChatGPT #OpenAI #AITransparency #DataIntegrity #TechEthics #AIAccountability