ChatGPT started tracking users - who should be concerned
OpenAI has introduced the Computer History feature for ChatGPT and the Codex agent, which, at the user's discretion, analyzes their actions on a Mac and uses them as context. The tool is available to Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers, but not in the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK. The feature does not take screenshots or record audio, but it collects data on keystrokes and app switching, which poses privacy risks.
OpenAI has introduced the Computer History feature, which allows ChatGPT and the Codex agent to use a user's activity history on a Mac as additional context. The feature is activated only at the user's discretion and analyzes their actions in the browser and applications, reconstructing the sequence of operations. The tool is available to Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers, but has not yet launched in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. For corporate plans, administrators can decide whether to allow employees to activate the feature. Users control which apps and websites are saved in the history, can pause collection, or delete data. Computer History does not take screenshots or record audio; instead, it uses the macOS accessibility API. The system tracks mouse clicks, text input, keyboard shortcuts, and app switching. It periodically summarizes activity, forming a brief description rather than storing all content. The feature can analyze repetitive actions and create automation tasks. Despite the absence of screenshots, the feature collects a large amount of data, which creates potential privacy risks.