Hi OpenAI Team,
I’d like to propose a feature enhancement for ChatGPT that could provide great value to users, particularly those who prioritize privacy and want more control over their conversations. The feature is a local offline chat storage system, with the added benefit of a security scanner for safe downloading and uploading of chat content.
Problem Statement
Currently, users who want to keep a record of their conversations offline or work in environments with limited internet access face challenges. Manual methods like copying and pasting chats into external files are cumbersome and lack integration with the platform, making it harder for users to manage their content securely.
Additionally, there is no secure offline storage feature that would allow users to store and access their conversations when disconnected from the internet, which limits the platform’s flexibility for some use cases.
Proposed Solution
I propose the introduction of an offline chat storage feature that would allow users to:
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Download conversations as files (e.g., .txt, .json, .pdf) while disconnected from the internet.
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Upload conversations back into the app for continuation while offline.
To ensure security, a local file scanner would be built into the system to:
Check for and ensure the integrity of files before they are downloaded or uploaded (e.g., no embedded harmful scripts or malicious modifications).
Prevent unsafe or corrupted files from being processed.
This offline feature would only apply to user-generated content, ensuring that proprietary OpenAI data or model infrastructure remains unaffected.
Key Benefits:
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Enhanced Privacy and Data Control: Users will be able to manage their own data securely without reliance on cloud storage.
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Offline Flexibility: Conversations can be archived and continued without needing an active internet connection.
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Security: A local scanner will help protect users and the platform by ensuring no malicious or corrupted files are uploaded.
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Premium Appeal: The feature could be offered as part of a premium subscription or as an optional add-on service, creating value for paid users.
Implementation Considerations
File Formats: Files should be in lightweight formats like .json and .txt to maintain compatibility and ease of use.
Malware Detection: The system should use a trusted, lightweight local malware detection library (e.g., ClamAV) to ensure clean file uploads and downloads.
User Education: Clear instructions and safeguards should be provided to ensure users understand how to use the feature responsibly and securely.
Conclusion
This feature would enhance the user experience by providing privacy, offline functionality, and data security. It aligns with OpenAI’s commitment to giving users more control over their data while ensuring safety and scalability.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this idea and whether it might be feasible for future updates. Thank you for considering