ChatGPT may soon let you hide chats behind a lock: What we know so far

OpenAI is reportedly working on a feature that may allow ChatGPT users to hide their private chats behind a lock. The lock feature may bring PIN code or fingerprint scan authentication, adding an extra layer of privacy for users.

According to an Android Authority report, an inactive code was spotted in the latest ChatGPT Android app for the chat lock feature. The code contains phrases such as “locked chats” and “Protect chats”, suggesting OpenAI is experimenting with a chat-locking feature.

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ChatGPT chat lock feature: What to expect

As of now, ChatGPT users can switch to Temporary Chats, which are designed for more private or sensitive conversations. This way, sensitive chats are not saved to ChatGPT history, and they disappear from your account after the conversation ends. However, the anticipated Locked Chats feature appears to work differently.

Instead of making a conversation temporary, it could allow users to keep the chat while saving it behind an additional security layer, such as a PIN or biometric authentication.

The report also highlighted that there is speculation around how ChatGPT’s Memory feature will work for Locked Chats. The code reportedly suggests that information inside a locked chat would only be available within that specific conversation, even if the user has Memory turned on. Therefore, ChatGPT may not use details from a locked conversation.

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However, since the feature was found in inactive code, it is unsure if OpenAI will ever launch it or whether the company could change the feature or decide not to release it at all. Therefore, we may have to wait for an official announcement to confirm if we could get a new Chat Lock feature for ChatGPT.

However, if the feature comes, it may become crucial for many ChatGPT users, as many share information related to personal or private questions, medical-related queries, job applications or career discussions, and other information users don't want easily accessible to others.