OpenAI might turn ChatGPT into a full-fledged social app with new DM feature

OpenAI is progressively shaping ChatGPT into a comprehensive application, with recent developments highlighting this ambitious vision. Just last month, the organization introduced the Sora 2 video generation model, which coincided with the launch of a TikTok-inspired platform for AI-generated videos, also named Sora. In early October, OpenAI rolled out its ‘Apps SDK,’ enabling developers to create tailored AI applications that function within ChatGPT. This move directly positions OpenAI in competition with established app marketplaces like Apple's App Store and Google Play Store. Additionally, OpenAI has already integrated a ChatGPT Agent capable of autonomously performing tasks such as navigating websites and extracting information for users. Now, the San Francisco-based startup is reportedly exploring the addition of direct messaging capabilities to ChatGPT, allowing users to engage with one another in a manner reminiscent of social media platforms. The potential DM feature was uncovered by Tibor Blaho, Lead Engineer at AIPRM.com, who discovered it in the beta version of the Android app under the code names "Calpico" and "Calpico Rooms." This messaging functionality is anticipated to mirror the existing DM features available on the Sora app for iPhone users. In a discussion on social media, Blaho noted that users would have the ability to collaboratively brainstorm, plan, create, and converse within ChatGPT. Importantly, privacy appears to be a priority, as participants in these interactions will not be able to access each other's personal ChatGPT memory. There is also speculation regarding the introduction of invite links for group chats, although details about the security features—such as end-to-end encryption—remain unclear. Given OpenAI's history, privacy will likely be a critical consideration as it continues to expand ChatGPT’s functionalities. Earlier this year, the company faced challenges when a new sharing feature unintentionally exposed users' private chats to search engines, leading to a subsequent retraction of the feature and efforts to remove indexed chats from search results. As OpenAI proceeds with these enhancements, the potential for ChatGPT to become a versatile social platform is on the horizon, but the company will need to navigate privacy concerns carefully.