ChatGPT Can now see your computer activity. The new computer history feature raises privacy questions
Artificial intelligence is taking another major step toward becoming a true digital assistant. OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Computer History, allowing the ChatGPT desktop application to remember activity across selected apps and websites. Instead of starting every conversation from scratch, the AI can now recall previous work, helping users continue unfinished tasks and providing more relevant assistance. While the feature promises greater productivity, it has also sparked discussions about privacy and how much information people are willing to share with AI.
At first glance, Computer History may sound like spyware. However, OpenAI emphasizes that this is an optional featurerather than something enabled automatically. Users must manually activate it within the ChatGPT desktop application for macOS. Once enabled, the application records a timeline of activity from supported apps and websites, allowing ChatGPT to reference that context in future conversations.
The primary goal is to eliminate repetitive explanations. Instead of reminding ChatGPT what you worked on yesterday or searching through previous chats, the assistant can automatically understand your recent workflow. For example, if you spent the day editing documents, browsing research materials, scheduling meetings, or communicating with colleagues, ChatGPT can use that context to draft summaries, prepare follow-up emails, or help organize upcoming tasks. According to OpenAI, the feature is primarily designed for professionals who use AI as part of their daily workflow.
Users remain in control of the collected information. Computer History allows people to review recorded activities, delete individual entries, erase the entire history, pause tracking, or disable the feature completely at any time. Users can also choose which applications and websites are included, giving them greater flexibility over what information ChatGPT can access in future conversations.
OpenAI also stresses that Computer History does not capture screenshots, record audio or video, or monitor private browsing sessions. Instead of continuously recording everything happening on the computer, the feature focuses on activity history and contextual information. This distinguishes it from some previous AI concepts that faced criticism for collecting far more extensive personal data.
Despite these safeguards, privacy experts believe the feature raises important questions. As AI systems gain access not only to conversations but also to users’ work habits, frequently used applications, and daily routines, they become capable of building much more detailed digital profiles. While this can significantly improve personalization and productivity, it also increases the importance of strong security measures and transparent data handling.
For now, Computer History is available only to subscribers of ChatGPT Pro, Business, and Enterprise using the macOS desktop application. OpenAI has announced that the feature will gradually become available in additional regions, including the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. The company says the technology builds upon its earlier experimental project, Chronicle, which focused on helping AI remember work context across multiple sessions.
The launch of Computer History demonstrates how rapidly artificial intelligence is evolving. ChatGPT is no longer simply a chatbot that answers questions—it is becoming a personal productivity assistant capable of remembering ongoing work and helping users resume it naturally. For many people, this could dramatically improve efficiency. Others, however, may hesitate before allowing AI to maintain such a detailed record of their everyday computer activity.
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