ChatGPT Introduces Chat Lock Feature to Protect User Privacy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - OpenAI has announced a new feature allowing users to lock ChatGPT conversations to protect the privacy of sensitive chats when their screen or device is being viewed or used by someone else.

According to a TechCrunch report on Tuesday (20 October), OpenAI said the feature could be useful when users are discussing personal matters or planning a surprise and want to keep the conversation private when they need to lend their device to someone else.

Users can lock a conversation with a four-digit PIN or use biometric scanners on devices that support features such as Face ID or Touch ID.

Once a conversation is locked, it is moved to a dedicated section called “Locked Chats”. This section is separate from the regular chat history, pinned conversations and chat search results.

Although the feature adds privacy protection, OpenAI stressed that it does not provide end-to-end encryption or a separate encrypted vault.

Locking a chat also does not change data-retention policies, delete information ChatGPT had already remembered before the chat was locked, or alter the settings governing the use of conversations to improve its models.

The feature is unavailable for temporary, archived and group chats; chats opened from shared links; chats with scheduled tasks; and chats containing meeting recordings.

“Locked Chats” is being rolled out gradually and will be available to users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu plans. OpenAI said the feature is not available for its dedicated healthcare service.