OpenAI now allows texting your ChatGPT dots, but messages aren't end-to-end encrypted

OpenAI is making its personal dots easier to reach, even when users aren’t inside ChatGPT. The company is testing text messaging for a limited number of Pro users in the United States. However, the new feature comes with an important privacy limitation that users should know before connecting their phone numbers.

ChatGPT dots are getting text messaging support

The new texting feature lets eligible users message their dots directly from their phones. Users can connect their phone numbers through the ChatGPT mobile app, desktop website, or desktop application. They must open their dot’s profile, select Texting, verify their number, and complete the setup.

However, the feature remains limited to selected US Pro users during beta testing. Business and Enterprise workspaces aren’t supported, and users need iMessage or RCS to send messages. Traditional SMS isn’t supported, although sending an SMS could trigger an automatic reply directing users elsewhere.

OpenAI also says texting only enables one-on-one conversations with a dot. It doesn’t grant access to other text conversations or support group messaging. Users can still call their dots through the ChatGPT mobile app.

Your messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted, by the way

Here’s where things get interesting. OpenAI uses third-party messaging provider Linq to send and receive messages for dots. Because Linq processes messages before they reach OpenAI, conversations aren’t end-to-end encrypted, even through iMessage or RCS.

“We use Linq, a third-party messaging provider, to send and receive texts for your dot. As part of our partnership with Linq, we’ve done extensive security vetting with our frontier models and third-party security firms. Because Linq processes these messages on the way to OpenAI, the conversation is not end-to-end encrypted between you and your dot, even when you use iMessage or RCS,” OpenAI notes in a support document.

Users can stop receiving messages by replying STOP or disabling texting through their dot’s profile. Turning off the feature disconnects the phone number but doesn’t delete previous conversations or saved memories.