ChatGPT is introducing a new optional feature that allows users to sync their contacts to see whether friends are using the chatbot or other OpenAI products, according to PC Magazine.
The feature is voluntary, but OpenAI states that it may process a person’s phone number if someone else who has that number in their address book chooses to upload their contacts. In such cases, the phone number can be processed even if the individual has not opted in.
The update aligns with earlier reports from April that OpenAI is developing elements of a social network. While little has been publicly revealed since then, the company’s generative video app Sora operates separately from ChatGPT and has been described as more experimental in nature.
ChatGPT already supports group chats with up to 20 participants, allowing users to collaborate and research topics together using the chatbot. Contact syncing could simplify inviting people into these shared discussions.
OpenAI says it does not store complete contact details such as names or email addresses. Instead, the company stores phone numbers in a coded, or hashed, format on its servers.
Users can revoke contact access at any time through their device settings.
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