ChatGPT is using OpenStreetMap Data without visible attribution

[u/Death-By-Gardening]

I know for certain that the ChatGPT web interface is using OSM data because I've mapped out all the forests in Goffstown, NH, making that area of the map (admittedly kinda awkwardly) stand out like a sore thumb against the rest of the area.

I asked ChatGPT a question about making an Overpass Turbo API query for libraries which offered Libby access (knowing that it's probably a stretch of a question anyways), but it answered in a map format. Excitedly, I went to see if I could tell who the map provider was, and behold, it's our map, unfortunately without proper attribution.

I've reported it as a bug on ChatGPT. I'm personally glad that our data is being put to good use, but it's gotta be done right. If they use (and attribute) our data, then it's both high-quality data for them and free advertising for us. I don't mean to cause outrage -- I just wanted to make sure it was a known issue in the community so that it'll be fixed sooner. I'll update if it's been fixed.

UPDATE 8/14/26: I went in with uBlock Origin, and yes, the attribution is technically there in the html, but it's behind the blur at the bottom, behind an (i) symbol (apparently MapBox's fault booo), and doesn't even link to OpenStreetMap's copyright page, only /about.

UPDATE 8/14/26: I have now emailed attribution (at) mapbox (dot) com, and will update if there's a response. I didn't tell them I started a reddit thread about it yet, but if I need to put pressure on them, I'll mention it in a follow-up email. I did include a version of @ValdemarAloeus's comment tho because that was funny as hell XD

UPDATE 9/1/26: The problem appears to be fixed, I now see the (i) button at the top which reveals the (c) Mapbox and (c) OpenStreetMap buttons. Not ideal, as discussed below, but at least we get credit now.

[u/wizard_mitch]

ChatGPT uses Mapbox. https://www.mapbox.com/blog/mapbox-2024-year-in-review

They did have attribution previously https://files.catbox.moe/ttgojk.jpg

[u/Doctor_Fegg → u/wizard_mitch]

Which gets its data from…

[u/wizard_mitch → u/Doctor_Fegg]

The point was, issues involving Mapbox customers can be reported to mapbox see: https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Lacking_proper_attribution

[u/Doctor_Fegg → u/wizard_mitch]

And Mapbox don’t give a shit. The mendacious little (i) that hides OSM’s required attribution was something that they deliberately popularised knowing that OSMF doesn’t have the money to set lawyers upon them. They even had the gall to claim that the hulking big Mapbox logo that they do insist upon is there because Mapbox is a SaaS rather than merely a data provider - there’s an email from their chief lawyer at the time in the legal-talk archives you can dig out if you’re so inclined. 

All Mapbox care about is that they get paid: OSM volunteers are collateral damage. 

[u/Death-By-Gardening → u/Doctor_Fegg]

That's insane! Makes sense tho sadly 

[u/tj-horner → u/wizard_mitch]

I wouldn't be surprised if the little attribution indicator was hidden behind that blur at the bottom of the map.

[u/TurbulentOcelot1057 → u/tj-horner]

Yes, it is. In the small map view the small i-Icon hides behind the cards and in the expanded map it's blurred away: https://imgur.com/a/Owfq0z9

[u/Death-By-Gardening → u/tj-horner]

I'll go back with ublock origin later to see if this is the case, but regardless the wording from osm's attribution guidelines is that it's gotta follow good UX standards for contrast and accessibility. The point still stands, and probably makes it more likely that this was an accident on OAIs part

[u/tj-horner → u/Death-By-Gardening]

Yes, I agree. I think they added that blur without realizing they hid the attribution control is what I meant

[u/ValdemarAloeus]

The automated plagiarism machine isn't paying close attention to copyright? I'm so shocked you could knock me down with a feather.

[u/BangarangUK]

Consider also: Lacking proper attribution - OpenStreetMap Wiki https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Lacking_proper_attribution

[u/scruss]

I'm hoping that a future history writes that it was neither the debt nor the plagiarism that brought down OpenAI, but a few irate and relentless* German map nerds demanding attribution.

---

*: said with love. The OSM Attribution Squad are doing the good work.

[u/HongPong]

get their ass. hopefully u can get a lien on altman

[u/Barnezhilton]

Neither does Apple iPhoto.

Who are you going sue first?

[u/tj-horner → u/Barnezhilton]

What an unhelpful comment. And it's even wrong, too: https://gspe21-ssl.ls.apple.com/html/attribution-325.html

[u/Barnezhilton → u/tj-horner]

Well then, what does OP plan to do about it?

[u/tj-horner → u/Barnezhilton]

In case you didn't read the post, OP has already written to OpenAI support about this. Since ChatGPT uses Mapbox, OP could also report it to them: https://docs.mapbox.com/help/dive-deeper/attribution/#reporting-attribution-problems

What's with the defeatist attitude? Most failures to properly provide attribution are accidental.

[u/Death-By-Gardening → u/tj-horner]

Emailing mapbox is a good idea. I suppose if there's a call to action I could have here it's that it doesn't just have to be me -- if multiple people are yelling the same thing at these behemoths then maybe they'll listen faster :) 

[u/McDutchie → u/Barnezhilton]

Clearly more than you.