OpenAI Adds PIN-Protected Locked Chats to ChatGPT

OpenAI is giving ChatGPT users a way to keep certain conversations out of sight with a new feature called locked chats. Once enabled, a past exchange can be hidden from regular chat history, pinned chats and conversation search. Getting back in requires a 4-digit PIN, and on iPhone or Android you can also use authentication like Face ID. Private conversations appear grouped under a new project called "Locked chats."

OpenAI frames the tool mainly as protection against someone glancing at your screen in public or picking up your phone. It is not end-to-end encryption, and it does not exempt users from OpenAI's legal obligations if a conversation runs into trouble with an employer or the law, the company says in a newly published support page. Locked chats also leave model training settings and data retention periods unchanged.

Users who reset their account PIN will lose all locked chats along with any files uploaded to their project space. "This cannot be undone, and OpenAI Support cannot recover the deleted content," the company warns.

The rollout is gradual and may take a few days to reach an account. Locked chats will be available to free accounts as well as Go, Plus and Pro subscribers. Voice mode works with locked chats on Android and iOS, but Codex conversations cannot be locked behind the feature.

Source: Engadget