OpenAI Releases Fix for ChatGPT Mac App That Exposes User Conversations

What is the story

OpenAI has patched a security flaw in its recently launched ChatGPT app for macOS that was saving users’ conversations in plain text on the computer.

The issue was discovered and demonstrated by Threads user Pedro Jose Pereira Vieito, who created an app that could access these conversations and display them immediately after they ended.

The problem with storing chats in plain text is that they can be easily accessed by hackers or malicious applications, making all interactions with ChatGPT readable.

Chat encryption update released

After receiving a warning Edge Due to security concerns, OpenAI immediately released an update to encrypt chats.

“We are aware of this issue and have released a new version of the app that encrypts these conversations,” OpenAI spokeswoman Taya Christianson said.

She also stressed that “we are committed to providing a helpful experience for users while maintaining high standards of security as our technology evolves.”

Effectively securing user conversations

After the update, the Vieito app could no longer access the conversations and they were no longer visible in plain text.

However, unless users opt out, OpenAI will still be able to analyze ChatGPT conversations for security purposes and train its models.

This privilege does not extend to unknown third parties who gain access and know where to look.