OpenAI Launches Computer History for Mac Users
OpenAI announced Computer History, a new Mac feature that tracks clicks and keystrokes to remember actions, though privacy risks remain.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- OpenAI announced Computer History on Thursday for Mac application users.
- It tracks clicks and keystrokes without recording screenshots or audio.
- Users can control tracked apps and websites or pause collection anytime.
- Experts warn of potential privacy risks and prompt injection vulnerabilities.
OpenAI has officially announced "Computer History," a brand-new feature tailored for ChatGPT users on macOS designed to keep a record of actions taken on the computer, helping users recall past projects and find misplaced documents easily.
Unlike tools such as Windows Recall, Computer History does not capture screenshots of the Mac display, nor does it record microphone input or system audio. Instead, the feature collects data from permitted sources by noting every click, keystroke, keyboard shortcut, app switch, and macOS accessibility context to build text summaries and local memory files.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
OpenAI's decision to analyze clicks and keystrokes instead of taking continuous full-screen captures represents an architectural choice aimed at reducing massive storage overhead and filtering out unintended visual data. Yet, logging persistent user interactions directly on local storage introduces significant security considerations regarding unauthorized local file access.
On the privacy front, Computer History is opt-in by default, requiring manual activation before any data collection begins. Users retain granular control to choose which applications and websites are tracked, and collection can be paused at any time directly from the Mac menu bar.
To utilize this capability, personal users must subscribe to ChatGPT Pro, while Business or Enterprise workspace users require administrator approval. Eligible users can enable the feature by navigating to the ChatGPT Mac app settings under Integrations and selecting Computer History.
Source: Lifehacker
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment