ChatGPT moves sensitive conversations behind a separate lock
OpenAI has started rolling out a protected area for saved ChatGPT conversations. A PIN or supported biometric authentication keeps selected chats out of ordinary history and search while allowing users to return later. Storage and training settings remain separate, and resetting a forgotten PIN permanently deletes the protected content.
Artificial Intelligence··Morning
Saved conversations get a protected entrance
OpenAI began distributing a separate protected area for saved ChatGPT conversations on 20 October. Called Locked Chats, the feature removes selected conversations from the ordinary history list, pinned chats and search. Users can still reopen them and continue talking later. That continued access distinguishes the feature from Temporary Chat, which serves a different purpose.[1], [2]
A four-digit personal identification number (PIN) protects the section. Supported devices also offer Face ID or Touch ID. The additional entrance is intended to keep sensitive conversations out of ordinary navigation when someone else can see or use the screen or device.[1]
Training preferences and earlier memory stay separate
Locking a chat leaves OpenAI’s retention rules and model-training preferences unchanged. The protected section does not provide end-to-end encryption or a separate encrypted vault. Whether a conversation can be used to improve models continues to depend on the relevant data setting rather than its position in the chat list.[1]
Information added to ordinary memory before a conversation was locked remains until it is removed separately. New messages in the protected area use that section’s own memory and do not update regular chat memory. Moving a saved conversation therefore leaves previously remembered information available to ordinary chats unless the user also deletes that information.[1]
Resetting the PIN deletes protected content
OpenAI says resetting a forgotten PIN permanently deletes the locked conversations, files and other protected content. Temporary, archived and group conversations cannot be locked. Conversations created from a shared link, scheduled tasks and meeting recordings are also excluded. Distribution is gradual across eligible ChatGPT plans, with Healthcare outside the feature’s scope.[1]
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