OpenAI launches chat lock feature for ChatGPT, protecting sensitive conversations via PIN code and biometrics
OpenAI has launched a chat lock feature for ChatGPT. Users can set a four-digit PIN code, and on supported devices can also use Face ID or Touch ID to protect sensitive conversations. Locked conversations are moved to a separate section, isolated from regular chat history, pinned conversations, and search results, and have a separate memory space when the memory feature is enabled. The feature is rolling out gradually to Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu users, but it does not enable end-to-end encryption and does not change data retention periods.
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OpenAI Launches Chat Lock Feature for ChatGPT, Protecting Sensitive Conversations via PIN and Biometrics
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OpenAI said the feature is aimed at scenarios such as when a user is discussing private matters or planning a surprise and needs to protect the relevant conversation before handing the device to a friend or family member to show them content in other conversations.
As more and more people use ChatGPT for private communication, the chat lock feature adds another layer of privacy protection. Of course, while locked conversations can restrict others' access, they cannot address users' concerns about how sensitive information is stored and processed.
OpenAI explained that locked conversations do not enable end-to-end encryption and do not create a separate encrypted storage vault; they do not change how long conversation data is retained, do not clear information ChatGPT has already remembered before locking, and do not change the "help improve the model" setting.
After a user locks a conversation, it moves into a dedicated "Locked conversations" section, isolated from regular chat history, pinned conversations, and chat search results.
If memory is enabled, the locked conversations section has its own separate memory space, shared only among conversations within that section. New messages sent after locking can update this separate memory, but will not change general memory. In other words, new information generated in locked conversations will not leak into regular conversations.
OpenAI notes that resetting the PIN will permanently delete all locked conversations, files, and other content protected by the old PIN.
In addition, temporary chats, archived chats, group chats, conversations created via shared links, conversations with scheduled tasks, and conversations containing meeting recordings cannot use the chat lock feature.
The chat lock feature is available to users of the free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education versions of ChatGPT. It is not available for the medical-specific version of ChatGPT. The feature began rolling out in batches starting Tuesday local time, and not all users will be able to use it immediately.