OpenAI has integrated a new lockdown mode into ChatGPT, which is intended to protect sensitive data from targeted attacks. The feature is disabled by default and hidden in the security settings. We will explain to you step by step how you can activate the mode, which functions will be eliminated and for whom the restrictions are actually worthwhile.
In recent years, artificial intelligence has developed from a rather specialized technology into an integral part of many people’s everyday lives. The topic has really gained momentum, especially since the end of 2022 with the publication of ChatGPT.
Since then, more and more people have been using modern AI chatbots to write texts, create images or answer complex questions. But as the spread grows, new risks to data security also arise.
For this reason, OpenAI has now introduced lockdown mode for ChatGPT. The function is intended to better protect users from attacks on their data and prevent manipulated content or instructions from influencing the AI. We’ll show you how you can use the new function and what restrictions come with it.
Activate lockdown mode on ChatGPT
The new ChatGPT feature is disabled by default. If you want to use them, you can change this in your settings. To do this, click on your profile in the browser and select Settings. There you will find the menu item “Security and registration“.
In the area “Advanced security” you will find ChatGPT’s new lockdown mode. If you want to activate it, you have to click on the slider under lockdown mode.
A pop-up window will then open asking you if you really want to activate lock mode. It is also explained here again that the lockdown mode is intended to help protect sensitive data.
For this purpose, connections to websites, external services and tools outside of ChatGPT are restricted. If you agree, you can confirm using the “Activate” button and use ChatGPT in lockdown mode. The change is confirmed at the top of the screen with a small piece of information, and the slider is now displayed in blue.
However, if you use the ChatGPT app on your smartphone, you can find the settings using the two lines in the upper left corner of your screen. If you tap on this, the sidebar opens, in which you can tap a wheel at the bottom to open the settings. Now navigate to the Security menu item. There you will find the lockdown mode.
What restrictions does lockdown mode bring with ChatGPT?
The new feature in ChatGPT is primarily intended to protect sensitive data from prompt injection attacks. To achieve this, however, the functions of the AI must be significantly restricted. This particularly applies to functions that can connect to the Internet or external services.
If you use ChatGPT in locked mode, the AI cannot search current websites. Features such as connectors, agent mode, deep research and shopping research are also activated. File downloads and some code and canvas features are also unavailable in lockdown mode.
If ChatGPT gives you external links in its results, the URLs are displayed in full. Before opening such a link, the AI chatbot asks for confirmation again.
According to OpenAI, the new function is primarily intended for people and organizations that are particularly security-conscious and “need increased protection against advanced threats.” For most users, however, the feature is not necessary.
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