OpenAI is taking a bold step towards revolutionizing group communication with its latest pilot program. They’re testing group conversations in ChatGPT, but this isn’t your average group chat! Imagine planning a trip with friends, and ChatGPT seamlessly joins in, offering tailored suggestions for your dream vacation.
In Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan, OpenAI has begun this innovative pilot, allowing users to create group chats with a unique twist. Just like in messaging apps, you can chat with friends and family, but here’s the twist: ChatGPT becomes an active participant. Whether it’s planning a vacation, home renovations, or a night out, ChatGPT contributes to the discussion, providing valuable insights and ideas. For instance, it can assist in finding a restaurant that suits everyone’s tastes or help with project planning by suggesting renovation ideas.
Initiating a group chat is simple. Tap the people icon on any conversation, and ChatGPT creates a new chat without your previous chat history. You can then invite up to 20 people by sharing a link or adding them directly. Each participant sets up a profile, and anyone with the link can invite others, making it easy to manage. The chat creator, however, cannot be removed, ensuring a consistent point of contact. And, importantly, if any participant is under 18, ChatGPT automatically filters sensitive content for the entire group, ensuring a safe environment.
The intelligence behind this feature is GPT-5.1 Auto, which adapts its responses based on the context. OpenAI has trained the chatbot to understand the ebb and flow of group conversations, allowing it to remain silent when appropriate and chime in when needed. A simple mention of ‘ChatGPT’ ensures the chatbot’s attention. This feature is still evolving, with OpenAI gathering feedback to refine it before a wider release.
But here’s where it gets controversial: How do we balance the benefits of AI assistance with potential privacy concerns? As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, these questions become increasingly relevant. What do you think? Is this a welcome addition to group chats, or does it raise concerns about privacy and the role of AI in our personal conversations?