On Tuesday, OpenAI revealed that users can now secure their ChatGPT conversations with a new privacy feature designed to protect sensitive discussions when others have access to their device. Users can safeguard these locked chats using a four-digit PIN or biometric authentication methods like Face ID and Touch ID on compatible devices.
Distinct from the existing Temporary Chats feature—where sessions are ephemeral and invisible in history—Locked Chats allow users to revisit their private discussions at any time.
The company explains that this capability is tailored for scenarios where users might be discussing personal matters or planning a surprise and wish to keep those exchanges hidden when handing their device to friends or family to view other content.
The rollout of locked chats introduces an additional privacy layer to ChatGPT, an app that is becoming more frequently used for personal correspondence. However, it is important to note that while this feature restricts access, it does not resolve underlying concerns regarding how sensitive data is stored or managed.
OpenAI clarified that locking a chat does not implement end-to-end encryption, create a separate encrypted vault, alter chat retention periods, erase memory data accumulated prior to locking, or modify the "Improve the model for everyone" preference.
Once activated, locked chats are migrated to a dedicated "Locked Chats" section, physically separating them from standard history, pinned conversations, and search results.
With the Memory feature enabled, Locked Chats possess their own independent memory space within the section. While new messages sent after a chat is locked can update this specific memory, they will not affect regular memory, ensuring that new information remains isolated from standard conversations.
The company also stated that resetting the PIN will permanently erase all locked chats, associated files, and any other content protected by the previous credential.
Furthermore, the Locked Chats option is incompatible with temporary chats, archived chats, group chats, chats generated via shared links, chats involving scheduled tasks, and conversations containing meeting recordings.
This feature is currently being rolled out to users across the ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans. However, OpenAI clarified that it is not available on the ChatGPT for Healthcare version. As the rollout began on Tuesday, the feature may not yet be accessible to all users.
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