OpenAI launches Computer History feature for ChatGPT on macOS

OpenAI has introduced ‘Computer History’, a new feature for the ChatGPT macOS application designed to track user activity across various websites and applications. By utilizing macOS accessibility features, the tool creates a timeline of interactions that allows the AI to provide context-aware assistance. Users can ask the AI to summarize completed tasks, locate previously viewed documents, or recall specific work details from earlier in the day.

The feature also aims to boost productivity by detecting repetitive processes and suggesting custom automations. It is currently available to subscribers of the Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans, with a gradual rollout underway. In corporate environments, administrators must authorize the feature before individual team members can enable it.

Privacy concerns have been raised because the tool records clicks and keystrokes, which may include sensitive information such as client names or private conversations. OpenAI notes that memory files are stored locally on the Mac as unencrypted Markdown text, meaning malicious software on the same user account could potentially access the logs. The feature is disabled by default and does not capture audio or screen images.