Proposal: External Encrypted Memory for ChatGPT (BIO-DISK Architecture)

ChatGPT Feature requests
1
  1. privacy #encryption memory hardware llm.

ChatGPT Memory Key — External User-Controlled Memory Architecture (BIO-DISK Concept)

Author: Dr. Evgeny Feldman

Date: May 2025

:small_blue_diamond: Abstract

This proposal outlines an architecture for external, encrypted memory storage for ChatGPT and other LLM-based systems. It introduces a modular, user-controlled system where personal memory is stored locally—on physical or logical drives—ensuring full privacy, data sovereignty, and clear legal boundaries. Inspired by crypto wallets, secure USB drives, and zero-knowledge systems, it combines practical usability with robust privacy and security.

:locked_with_key: 1. Goal

Enable ChatGPT to store and access personal memory outside of OpenAI servers via encrypted, user-controlled devices or containers. The system ensures:

  • Total user autonomy
  • Maximum data privacy
  • Zero dependency on centralized storage

:brick: 2. Architecture Overview

A. Hardware-Based Implementation (ChatGPT Memory Key)

  • Dedicated USB device with onboard End-to-End encryption (E2E)
  • Master key generated and stored exclusively by the user
  • No recovery access for OpenAI or third parties
  • Emergency wipe function (via physical button or remote command)
  • Simple operational logic: “Plug to enable, unplug to disable memory”

B. Software-Based Implementation (Bring Your Own Storage)

  • Application provided by OpenAI formats any user-selected storage (USB drive, partition, cloud drive)
  • Creates a secure, encrypted, segmented memory container (BIO, HISTORY, TASKS, MARKED)
  • Users manage keys, backups, and physical device access independently
  • Optional synchronization with personal cloud services (iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox)

C. Optional Hybrid Storage Mode

  • User-selected segments (e.g., BIO) stored server-side for rapid access
  • Sensitive segments (HISTORY, TASKS, MARKED) exclusively local

:puzzle_piece: 3. Segmented Memory Structure

Memory segmented into logical blocks for optimized retrieval and reduced token load:

  • BIO: Essential user facts and personal traits
  • HISTORY: Critical past interactions and context
  • TASKS: Current objectives, ongoing instructions
  • MARKED: Explicitly user-pinned or flagged memory fragments

Memory retrieval is dynamically segmented by relevance, balancing speed, efficiency, and context continuity.

:chart_decreasing: 4. Data Sovereignty & BYOB Model (Bring Your Own Backup)

  • No centralized memory storage on OpenAI servers
  • OpenAI has no ability to read, store, or recover user data
  • Users fully responsible for protecting keys, storage devices, and backups
  • Legal model mirrors established hardware and crypto-storage products (Ledger, Trezor, IronKey):

“Loss of key equals irreversible data loss. No liability, no recovery.”

:counterclockwise_arrows_button: 5. Emergency Wipe & Fail-safe

  • Instant, irreversible wipe triggered by hardware button or remote command
  • Options include encryption-key deletion or physical overwrite of storage sectors
  • Ensures data safety under compromised scenarios

:desktop_computer: 6. Interface & Access Control

  • Clear visual indicators for active/inactive memory segments
  • User-toggle memory segments or entire memory per session
  • Optional transparency feature: indicates when memory was accessed by ChatGPT
  • Audit trail logs detailing memory usage (user-viewable/downloadable)

:key: 7. Key Management & Recovery

  • Master encryption key generated locally at initialization
  • Recommended backups via seed phrase, QR code, or encrypted export
  • Advanced backup strategies available (split keys, multisignature backups across devices/cloud services)
  • Lost keys result in permanent data inaccessibility (BYOB: user-defined backup responsibility)

:open_file_folder: 8. Data Format & Structure

  • Stored data includes precomputed embeddings, metadata, and relational graphs
  • Optimized for fast retrieval and compatibility with GPT transformer architecture
  • Reduces redundant computations and ensures rapid loading

:link: 9. Technical Integration

  • Defined API layer for ChatGPT-memory interactions (memory.get(), memory.query() commands)
  • Encrypted container read/write through secure API commands
  • Real-time embedding retrieval, minimal latency

Example Commands:

memory.get(segment="BIO")
memory.query("recent tasks")

:locked: 10. Transparency & Audit Logs

  • User-accessible audit logs detailing memory queries and segment access
  • Transparency reports available for download to ensure accountability and user trust

:light_bulb: 11. Optional Device Specifications (Advanced Hardware)

  • Secure chip embedding (comparable to Apple Secure Enclave, YubiKey Secure Element)
  • USB-C connectivity, optional NFC or biometric unlocking mechanisms
  • Minimal visible filesystem interface; protected hidden memory structure
  • Works offline, communicates seamlessly with ChatGPT via embedded driver or API

:white_check_mark: Conclusion

The BIO-DISK concept offers a secure, modular, and user-controlled memory solution tailored specifically to the needs of modern LLM architectures such as ChatGPT. It combines local privacy control, scalable storage, legal transparency, and engineering feasibility, creating a robust and user-centric data management ecosystem.

:paperclip: License & Legal Note

All ideas and recommendations in this proposal are offered openly and freely by the author, Dr. Evgeny Feldman, under no obligation or claim for ownership or compensation. If implemented, optional attribution to Dr. Evgeny Feldman is welcomed.