OpenAI has rolled out a new capability for ChatGPT that allows users to lock specific conversations. According to TechCrunch, the update is intended to keep private discussions hidden when someone hands their device to another person to display a different chat.
Privacy Control for Shared Devices
As conversational interfaces become more integrated into daily communication, users frequently store sensitive personal information, medical queries, or surprise planning within chat logs. Adding a locking mechanism addresses a common vulnerability on shared or temporarily borrowed smartphones and tablets, offering a granular layer of privacy beyond simply locking the entire application.
What Remains Unclear
TechCrunch reported on the rollout, but the announcement did not specify which exact platforms will receive the feature first, nor did it detail the underlying authentication method used to unlock the secured conversations. It remains unknown whether biometric verification such as FaceID or fingerprint scanning will be required, or if a separate passcode will be implemented. Users should monitor future application updates to see how the locking mechanism functions across web and mobile interfaces.
The feature is currently reaching users as part of ongoing product updates from OpenAI.
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