OpenAI Pilots Group Chats in ChatGPT for Collaboration
OpenAI has started a pilot rollout of group chats in ChatGPT, offering users in select regions a way to collaborate in real time within the AI platform. Users can now create or join group chats by selecting an icon in new or existing conversations. Up to 20 people can join a group chat, and anyone who receives the invitation link can enter with approval. Upon joining, users set up a profile with their name, username, and photo. All group chats are kept separate from private conversations, allowing members to view the participant list or leave the chat at any point.
OpenAI’s group chat responses are powered by GPT-5.1 Auto, automatically selecting the most suitable language model. The system only applies rate limits when ChatGPT responds, not to user interactions, and responses draw from the usage allowance of the user being replied to. New social capabilities have been added for group settings, including contextual participation, emoji reactions, and reference to member photos. Administrators can set custom instructions for ChatGPT’s responses within each chat.
Privacy safeguards are in place so personal memory features are disabled in group chats, and no new data is stored from these conversations. For underage users, protections further limit exposure to sensitive content for all participants. Group chat is available on web and mobile for users with Free, Go, Plus, or Pro plans in Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, and South Korea, with potential for wider rollout depending on initial feedback and adoption rates.
