OpenAI just rolled out Advanced Account Security, a new feature bringing four opt-in protection settings to ChatGPT users. The move comes as AI platforms face mounting pressure to safeguard the millions of conversations and personal data flowing through their systems daily. But there's a catch - users need to manually enable these protections, raising questions about why critical security features aren't turned on by default in an era of increasingly sophisticated account breaches.
OpenAI is giving ChatGPT users more control over their account security, but they'll need to take action to get it. The company quietly rolled out Advanced Account Security, a new feature that bundles four distinct security settings designed to protect both account access and the personal data users share with the AI assistant.
The timing isn't accidental. AI platforms have become prime targets for hackers as they store everything from work documents to personal conversations. OpenAI has faced questions about data handling practices, especially as enterprise adoption of ChatGPT accelerates. Companies are pouring sensitive information into these systems, and a single compromised account could expose confidential business intelligence.
What sets this rollout apart is the opt-in approach. Users need to actively navigate to their settings and enable Advanced Account Security - it won't turn on automatically. The four settings work together to create additional barriers against unauthorized access and data exposure, though OpenAI hasn't detailed exactly what each protection does in their limited public announcement.
This kind of optional security model has drawn criticism in other tech sectors. When platforms make security features opt-in rather than default, adoption rates typically hover below 20%, according to security research. Most users never venture into settings menus, leaving their accounts vulnerable even when protections exist.
The move reflects a broader tension in AI development between user convenience and security. Turn on too many protections by default, and you risk frustrating users with extra steps and verification prompts. Make everything optional, and most people remain exposed. OpenAI appears to be betting that power users and enterprise customers - those most concerned about security - will seek out these settings.
For enterprise customers, the stakes are higher. Companies using ChatGPT Team or Enterprise plans are increasingly requiring employees to enable additional security measures. Some organizations have started mandating these protections in their internal policies, effectively making OpenAI's opt-in features mandatory at the company level.
The feature arrives as AI security becomes a boardroom concern. Recent data shows that 68% of enterprises now consider AI platform security a top-three IT priority, up from just 34% a year ago. That shift is driving demand for more granular security controls across all major AI providers.
Competitors are watching closely. Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic all offer their own security features for AI assistants, though implementation varies widely. Some features come standard, while others require premium subscriptions. The lack of industry standardization leaves users navigating a patchwork of protection options.
What's clear is that OpenAI is responding to pressure from both enterprise customers and regulators. The European Union's AI Act and similar frameworks worldwide are pushing companies to demonstrate proactive security measures. Offering advanced protections - even if opt-in - helps check that compliance box.
The practical question for users: Should you enable these settings? Security experts generally say yes, despite the lack of detailed information about what each setting actually does. The performance impact appears minimal, and the protection benefits likely outweigh any inconvenience. The bigger question is why OpenAI isn't making that choice for users by default.
OpenAI's Advanced Account Security feature is a step forward for ChatGPT protection, but the opt-in approach puts the burden on users to discover and enable critical safeguards. As AI platforms become infrastructure for both personal and professional work, the industry needs to move beyond optional security models. For now, ChatGPT users should head to their settings and turn on these protections - because in security, convenience shouldn't trump protection. The real test will be whether OpenAI eventually makes these features standard, or if they remain hidden options that most users never find.
