ChatGPT Launches Pilot Group Chats Across Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan

Why It Matters

The rollout signals OpenAI’s shift from a pure AI assistant toward a social platform, potentially expanding user engagement and opening new monetization pathways in the Asian‑Pacific market.

Summary

OpenAI began piloting a group‑chat feature for ChatGPT in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan. The tool, available to Free, Plus and Team users on mobile and web, lets up to 20 participants collaborate, with GPT‑5.1 Auto handling responses, search, image generation and other functions while human messages don’t count against usage limits. Group chats are invitation‑only, include parental safeguards for minors, and are positioned as a first step toward a more social experience after OpenAI’s recent launch of the Sora 2 video‑sharing app.