OpenAI rolls out locked chats in ChatGPT - BetaNews

Like your search history, some of your ChatGPT conversations may need extra privacy. OpenAI is rolling out a feature called Locked Chats. It lets you protect chats with a PIN and hide them from your regular chat history.

Key facts:

• Locked chats are hidden and protected by a PIN.
• The feature is available to all ChatGPT users.
• You can lock a chat before starting it or lock a chat you already have.

OpenAI explains that Locked Chats let you keep selected conversations in your account while hiding them from your usual chat history, pinned chats, and regular conversation search. This can help keep private conversations out of sight when you share your screen or use a device that other people also use.

The company also explains where to find the feature and how to use it:

You can find your locked chats under Projects > Locked chats. The sidebar may show the Locked chats project, but the names of locked chats will stay hidden. You need to enter your four-digit account PIN to open a locked chat. On supported mobile devices, you can also use Face ID, Touch ID, or your device's usual unlocking method.

OpenAI also explains what Locked Chats cannot do. The feature only changes how you open chats and how they appear on screen. It does not:

• Provide end-to-end encryption or create a separate, encrypted storage area.
• Change how long OpenAI keeps your chats.
• Change your Improve the model for everyone setting.
• Remove information that ChatGPT remembered before you locked a chat.
• Override the rules that apply to your workspace or any safety, legal, or compliance requirements.

There is also an important warning to remember:

Resetting your account PIN permanently deletes all locked chats, along with remembered information stored only in locked chats and any files or other content protected only by your old PIN. You cannot undo this, and OpenAI Support cannot recover the deleted content.

The feature is being released gradually, so you may not be able to use Locked Chats right away. If you cannot see it in your account yet, you will need to wait a little longer. You do not need to do anything to get it.