Artificial intelligence company OpenAI has announced a new feature designed with the privacy of ChatGPT users in mind. This feature allows users to lock their private conversations, ensuring that personal chats remain hidden from others—such as family members or friends—who might use their phones or laptops. This is particularly useful for those who ask sensitive questions on ChatGPT or are planning a surprise for someone.
With this feature, users can secure selected chats using a 4-digit PIN or device-based authentication methods like Face ID or Touch ID. Please note that the availability of this feature may depend on the user’s device and the version of the app they are using.
How does the ‘Locked Chats’ feature in ChatGPT work?
Once a conversation is locked, it is removed from the general chat history. Furthermore, locked conversations will not appear in pinned chats or within general search results. Instead, they are moved to a separate section labeled ‘Locked Chats.’
This helps users keep their private conversations distinct from their regular chats. When needed, users can unlock these conversations by completing the authentication process and continue their previous discussions.
This feature is distinct from ‘Temporary Chat.’ While ‘Temporary Chat’ is used for conversations that one does not wish to save in the general chat history, ‘Locked Chats’ allows users to keep conversations secure for future access.
A separate memory option for private conversations
Another significant aspect of this feature relates to ChatGPT’s ‘Memory’ function. According to the information provided, locked chats will have a separate memory space, ensuring that information from these conversations is not used in the context of regular, non-locked chats.
The goal is to maintain a clear distinction between private conversations and routine interactions. However, it is advisable to consult the official feature guide for precise details regarding how the memory function behaves and what specific options are available.
Will locked chats in ChatGPT be completely secure? While the lock feature can help keep private conversations hidden from prying eyes, it should not be considered a completely separate, encrypted digital vault.
According to the available information, locking a chat does not automatically alter OpenAI’s data storage policies, the duration for which chats are retained, or settings related to model training. Therefore, users should understand that locking a chat is not the same as securing data through end-to-end encryption.
What happens if you forget your PIN?
It is crucial to keep your PIN secure when using this feature. According to the information provided, if a user forgets their PIN and chooses to reset it, the locked chats—along with any associated files and private memory—may be deleted. In such a scenario, it will not be possible to recover the data.
However, you should consult OpenAI’s official documentation to confirm the details regarding data deletion and the recovery process.
Which users will have access to this feature?
The “Locked Chats” feature is being rolled out in phases across the web, macOS and Windows desktop apps, as well as the iOS and Android mobile apps. It is intended to be available to users across various ChatGPT plans, including Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu.
Because the feature is being released in stages, it may not appear for all users simultaneously. If you do not see this option in your account yet, please keep an eye out for official ChatGPT updates and announcements regarding new features.
