"OpenAI is transforming ChatGPT into a full-fledged social and collaborative platform with new direct messaging and group chat features, changing how people and AI connect."
ChatGPT Is Becoming More Social
OpenAI is taking ChatGPT beyond its roots as a text-based conversational AI. The company is rolling out direct messaging (DM) and group chat features, effectively turning ChatGPT into a social and collaborative space. These new tools are being tested in the ChatGPT Android beta, and they could redefine how users interact with AI—and with each other.
What Are ChatGPT Direct Messages and Group Chats?
Internally codenamed Calpico and Calpico Rooms, these features allow users to chat privately or in groups while collaborating with AI in real-time. The update is similar to what OpenAI introduced in the Sora app for iOS, but it now arrives in ChatGPT’s main platform.
- Create one-on-one and group conversations where people and AI can work together.
- Rename the AI assistant, adjust its personality, or toggle auto-responses.
- Invite others easily through shareable links.
- Block users or manage group settings directly in the app.
Each participant’s private data and chat memory stay secure and separate, so shared rooms do not expose personal histories or user details. This ensures privacy remains a core part of ChatGPT’s collaborative experience.
Why Is OpenAI Adding Social Features?
This shift aligns with OpenAI’s vision from its 2025 DevDay event: turning ChatGPT into an everything app. The goal is to merge communication, productivity, and AI collaboration into one seamless ecosystem. Through the new Apps SDK, developers can embed mini-apps inside ChatGPT—like shopping tools, maps, or music playlists—creating a fully interactive workspace.
“ChatGPT is not just a chatbot anymore. It’s evolving into a social and collaborative hub powered by AI.”
These changes position ChatGPT as a potential rival to popular social platforms such as Discord, Telegram, and WhatsApp. The key difference is how AI integrates into conversations, assisting teams with ideas, plans, and even creative tasks in real time.
Privacy and Security: What You Should Know
While these features sound exciting, there are still questions about data protection. OpenAI has not yet confirmed whether DMs or group chats will use end-to-end encryption. Earlier this year, the company faced scrutiny when some shared chats were indexed by Google, prompting a quick rollback of the sharing feature. Since then, OpenAI has worked to reinforce privacy controls and data safety.
More Features Rolling Out Soon
OpenAI is also introducing user profiles, avatars, push notifications, and smoother transitions between social and AI-driven tools. Imagine hosting a brainstorming session with your teammates and ChatGPT in the same group—no switching apps, no friction.
| Feature | Benefit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Messaging | Private chats between users | Beta testing |
| Group Chats | Collaborative rooms with AI and humans | Rolling out gradually |
| Invite Links | Easy way to add participants | Available in app |
How to Get ChatGPT Invite Links
Invite and referral links for these social features are generated directly within the ChatGPT app. Users can share these links to bring others into private or group conversations. However, there’s no external affiliate or referral system yet—access is managed entirely through the in-app invite tool.
FAQs
1. Can I use ChatGPT group chats with free accounts?
Currently, these features are being tested on selected accounts, but OpenAI plans to expand them to both free and Plus users over time.
2. Are ChatGPT messages encrypted?
OpenAI has not officially announced end-to-end encryption for the DM feature yet, but standard privacy safeguards are in place.
3. Can I invite my team to a ChatGPT workspace?
Yes, once the feature is active on your account, you can generate invite links to add teammates or collaborators.
