ChatGPT to Introduce PIN and Fingerprint Lock for Individual Chats

OpenAI is reportedly developing a new feature for ChatGPT that will allow users to lock individual conversations behind a PIN or fingerprint authentication. This update aims to give users more control over their privacy by protecting selected chats rather than securing the entire app.

What the Locked Chats Feature Entails

• Users can move specific conversations into a locked section, hiding them from the main chat list and search results.
• Access to these locked chats would require authentication via PIN or fingerprint, providing an extra layer of security.
• Unlike the existing Temporary Chat option—which deletes chats after use—locked chats remain saved but protected.
• Opening a locked chat does not automatically unlock it permanently; the conversation stays secured until the user removes the lock.

Privacy and Memory Considerations

The feature may also affect how ChatGPT handles information from locked conversations. Data from these chats could be kept separate from the AI’s general memory, preventing personal details in locked chats from influencing responses in regular conversations.

Why This Matters

As ChatGPT usage expands beyond simple queries to sensitive topics like work, health, and personal matters, users increasingly need to safeguard specific conversations from casual access on shared devices.

Fingerprint authentication support would streamline access on compatible devices, reducing the need to enter a PIN each time.

Availability

Currently, the Locked Chats feature remains in testing and has not been officially launched or assigned a release date by OpenAI. As with many in-development features, its final form and availability may change.