OpenAI Introduces Locked Chats for ChatGPT

OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Locked Chats in its popular chatbot, ChatGPT. This feature allows users to lock individual conversations behind a four-digit PIN or biometric authentication methods such as Face ID and Touch ID. The goal is to provide an additional layer of security for sensitive chats that users may not want others to access.

The Locked Chats feature is being rolled out gradually across all ChatGPT plans, including Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is not available on the ChatGPT for Healthcare plan. Users can lock existing conversations or start new ones directly inside the locked area.

When a user locks a chat, it is removed from regular chat history, pinned chats, and standard search results. Instead, it is stored in a dedicated Locked Chats area under Projects. To access these locked conversations, users must authenticate with their four-digit account PIN or supported biometric methods. This ensures that only authorized individuals can view the contents of the locked chat.

One key aspect to note about Locked Chats is that they are not deleted when locked. Instead, they remain saved and can be accessed at any time by the user who created them. However, if a user forgets their PIN or biometric authentication method, resetting it will permanently delete all locked chats along with any files protected by the old PIN.

OpenAI has clarified that locking conversations does not create end-to-end encryption or a separate encrypted vault. It also doesn’t change how long OpenAI keeps a chat or alter the ‘Improve the model for everyone’ setting. Furthermore, anyone who can open a locked chat can still copy its contents, which may raise concerns about data security.

The Locked Chats feature has some limitations and exceptions. For instance, Temporary Chats, archived chats, group chats, and chats created from shared links cannot be locked. Additionally, locked chats cannot be archived, pinned, moved, or shared unless they are first unlocked. If a chat already had a shared link, locking it will not delete the link, so users who want to cut off access to previously shared content need to delete the link separately.