OpenAI has officially launched the latest feature, letting users to easily lock ChatGPT conversations, adding an additional layer of privacy for people who share their devices and screens with others.
The feature allows users to easily secure conversations with a four-digit PIN or biometric authentication, including Face ID and Touch ID on supported devices.
Unlike Temporary Chats, which do not appear in regular chat history, Locked Chats remain accessible to users whenever they need them.The feature is particularly designed for people discussing personal matters or planning surprises who want to prevent others from opening those conversations while using their devices.
Once locked, a conversation moves to a dedicated “Locked Chats” section and disappears from regular chat history, pinned conversations and search results.
The ChatGPT manufacturer stated Locked Chats have a separate memory space when Memory is enabled. New messages within the section can be easily updated via its memory without affecting regular ChatGPT Memory, assisting them to protect conversations by keeping them separate from other chats.
However, the feature does not provide end-to-end encryption or create a separate encrypted vault.
Moreover, it does not change data-retention periods, erase information ChatGPT remembered ahead of a conversation was locked, or modify the “Improve the model for everyone” setting.
OpenAI issued a warning that resetting a PIN permanently deletes all locked chats, files and other content protected by the previous PIN.
Currently, the feature remains inaccessible for Temporary Chats, archived conversations, group chats, share-link conversations, chats with scheduled tasks and conversations containing meeting recordings.
OpenAI Locked Chats feature availability
Locked Chats are rolling out to users on Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu plans. The company says the feature remains unavailable ChatGPT for Healthcare.
The rollout is gradual, meaning the option may not yet appear for every eligible user. Users should check their ChatGPT settings as availability expands.
