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A new privacy feature called 'Lockdown Mode' has been released for ChatGPT. This feature offers users enhanced privacy. Read on for full details.

OpenAI has released a new safety feature named 'Lockdown Mode' for its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT. The feature aims to prevent users' private and sensitive data from being exposed. It has been made available across all ChatGPT account types, including Workspace, Personal, Business, and Enterprise. The company claims that Lockdown Mode disables the chatbot's capabilities that rely on internet access or external services. ChatGPT has become an integral part of many people's daily lives; we use it constantly—from answering simple questions to simplifying complex documents. However, we often share personal information with the chatbot, and a leak of this data could prove dangerous. Lockdown Mode was introduced to keep such conversations private. Let’s look at the details.

What is OpenAI's new Lockdown Mode feature?

OpenAI announced the new Lockdown Mode feature for ChatGPT via its support page. It is a new safety feature designed to protect your private and sensitive data from exposure. The company describes it as an optional, advanced security setting that restricts chatbot tools connecting to the web or external services. This feature mitigates risks such as 'Prompt Injection Attacks.'

What are Prompt Injection Attacks?

Prompt Injection Attacks differ from standard hacking. In these attacks, hackers embed malicious instructions—understandable only to AI models—within web pages, files, or documents. These instructions influence the AI, causing it to behave in unintended ways. Your AI could potentially reveal private information if compromised by hackers.

Lockdown Mode to the Rescue

A new "Lockdown Mode" has been introduced in ChatGPT to protect against such attacks. When this mode is enabled, several ChatGPT features that rely on an internet connection will be disabled. Activating this feature restricts live web browsing. Additionally, ChatGPT will not be able to download files for data analysis, although you can still upload files manually.

It is important to note that this Lockdown feature does not affect ChatGPT's memory, conversation history, image generation capabilities, or existing chats. Lockdown Mode has been rolled out to all users, including Free, Go, and Plus users, as well as self-serve ChatGPT Business accounts.

How to enable Lockdown Mode in ChatGPT?

1. First, open ChatGPT on your phone.

2. Go to Settings.

3. Click on Security.

4. Navigate to the Advanced Security section.

5. You will see Lockdown Mode there; simply turn it on.