News
In Brief
- Group chat launch. Users can now collaborate with up to 20 people within a shared ChatGPT.
- Privacy controls added. Group chats are optional and separate from private chats.
- Business and enterprise rollout expected soon. Group chats is currently in pilot.
OpenAI introduced group chats in ChatGPT on Nov. 13, shifting the product from single-user sessions to shared conversations with up to 20 participants. The feature rolled out globally to Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans on Nov. 20.
OpenAI taught ChatGPT new behavior for the feature, according to a company blog. It holds back in group conversations, interjecting only when it is logical or explicitly named. Rate limits only apply to the tool's responses, not to other messages, and count towards the person who originated the chat's limit. The company said it would bring group chats to business and enterprise plans soon.
LLM Collaboration Context
AI Chat Platforms Shift From Solo Tools to Team Workspaces
AI-powered chat platforms have evolved from single-user assistants into dynamic, group-centric workspaces as competition intensifies among major technology providers.
From Personal Productivity to Team Collaboration
Early generative AI tools like ChatGPT started as personal productivity enhancers. Competition from Google, Microsoft and Slack has accelerated the rollout of multi-user and group functionalities, integrating AI more deeply into daily workflows.
Platforms like Coda, Notion and Microsoft Loop now embed generative AI features such as persistent memory and proactive recommendations. These capabilities transform team collaboration and make knowledge sharing accessible for entire workgroups, according to recent analysis of collaborative platforms.
Privacy and Ethics Remain Key Concerns
The adoption of collaborative AI has brought technical advancements alongside new social and ethical considerations. Industry observers note that innovation must be balanced with privacy, inclusivity and reliability — particularly for enterprise settings where sensitive data is at stake.
OpenAI has faced scrutiny over its ability to separate enterprise-grade security from consumer experimentation. Experts stress that trust and ethical protections are as important as technical capabilities.
Persistent memory, context-awareness and incognito modes — like those introduced in Anthropic's Claude — demonstrate how companies are tackling the tension between data utility and user privacy. OpenAI's move into enterprise search capabilities reflects similar efforts to balance functionality with security.
Productivity Gains Remain Unevenly Distributed
Group AI tools create opportunities and challenges within the workplace. While AI can streamline information access, automate coordination and reduce repetitive work, concerns persist about digital overload and maintaining trust.
Research shows that productivity gains are not distributed evenly and that poorly managed AI integration can worsen cognitive overload. Leaders are urged to weigh these risks, invest in user training and ensure transparency to realize the full potential of collaborative AI.
ChatGPT Group Chat Feature Breakdown
The new functionality emphasizes collaboration and privacy controls, according to OpenAI.
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Group chats | Collaborate with up to 20 participants |
| Privacy separation | Group and private chats remain separate |
| Memory controls | No personal memory shared or created in groups |
| Invitation links | Join groups via direct link invitations |
| Participant management | Leave chats or remove participants anytime |
| Copy-on-add | Adding people creates a separate group chat copy |
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