OpenAI has introduced a new privacy feature for ChatGPT, allowing users to lock specific conversations to keep them private when sharing a device. This update addresses growing concerns about sensitive data exposure in SI tools as their use for personal matters expands.
What Happened
The feature, announced on Tuesday, lets users secure chats with a four-digit PIN or biometric authentication like Face ID and Touch ID on supported devices. Unlike the app’s Temporary Chats, which do not appear in chat history, Locked Chats can be accessed at any time. Once locked, a conversation moves to a dedicated “Locked Chats” section, separating it from regular chat history, pinned conversations, and search results.
OpenAI states the feature is designed for situations where users might be discussing personal matters or planning surprises and want to hide those conversations when handing their device to others. However, the company notes that locking a chat does not create end-to-end encryption or a separate encrypted vault. It also does not change data retention periods, remove previously remembered information, or alter the “Improve the model for everyone” setting.
With Memory enabled, the Locked Chats section has its own separate memory. New messages sent after locking a chat update this separate memory but do not affect regular Memory, preventing sensitive information from leaking into standard conversations. Users should note that resetting the PIN permanently deletes all content protected by the previous PIN. The option is not available for temporary, archived, group, shared-link, scheduled-task, or meeting-recording chats.
Why It Matters
This addition adds a layer of local privacy control to ChatGPT, reflecting its increasing use for personal conversations beyond professional or general inquiry tasks. For developers and users of SI systems, it highlights the distinction between interface-level privacy and backend data security. While the lock prevents casual on-screen viewing, it does not change how the SI provider stores or processes the underlying data, a critical distinction for those handling sensitive information.
The Bottom Line
Locked Chats are rolling out to users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans, though availability may vary. The feature is not currently available on ChatGPT for Healthcare. Users should understand that while this enhances on-device privacy, it does not alter the data handling policies of the SI system.