OpenAI Adds PIN and Biometric Locks to ChatGPT Sessions

Once a conversation is locked, it vanishes from the standard history, pinned list, and search results to reside in a separate folder. This mechanism serves as a privacy buffer for personal planning or private discussions. When the Memory feature is active, these locked chats operate within their own independent memory bank, ensuring that sensitive details discussed in private do not bleed into the broader, non-secure chat history.

While this update restricts physical access to a device, it does not alter OpenAI’s underlying data retention policies or provide end-to-end encryption for the stored text. The company explicitly warns that resetting a PIN triggers the permanent deletion of all files and content contained within the locked section. The feature is rolling out across nearly all subscription tiers, including Free, Plus, and Enterprise, though it remains unavailable for Healthcare users and certain specialized session types like shared links or meeting recordings.