ChatGPT now has locked chats to keep your sensitive conversations hidden

OpenAI has added a new feature to ChatGPT that lets you hide sensitive conversations behind a lock. It is called Locked Chats. This is the first time I have seen this kind of protection on a major AI chatbot. The idea is simple, just as the name suggests.

When you move an existing conversation into Locked Chats, you protect it with a PIN when using ChatGPT in a web browser or desktop app. On phones and tablets, there are more ways to unlock these chats. Along with your device passcode, you can use biometric security, such as Face ID on an iPhone or a fingerprint sensor on an Android device.

The most important part is what happens in the background. When you start a new conversation in Locked Chats mode, information from that conversation is not used to update ChatGPT's memory. Memory allows ChatGPT to keep track of details from your earlier conversations. When you talk about something you have discussed before, the chatbot can use related details from those past chats. This means you do not have to explain everything again.

You can watch the video above to see how the feature works. In general, Locked Chats keeps your private conversations separate from ChatGPT's memory. The new privacy feature is now available to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free plan and the Go, Plus and Pro plans, as well as Business, Enterprise, and Education plans. If you cannot use it yet, try updating the app or wait a little longer, as OpenAI may be making the feature available in stages.

OpenAI already has a similar feature called Temporary Chats. It lets you have conversations with ChatGPT that do not last as long. You can choose whether a temporary chat uses personalization. If you turn personalization off, the chat does not use ChatGPT's memory, your custom instructions, or any apps connected to your ChatGPT account. This gives you a fresh start.