OpenAI has introduced Computer History, a new ChatGPT feature that logs macOS activity as unencrypted plain text. The feature is unavailable in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK.
TL;DR
- OpenAI's Computer History logs clicks, keystrokes, and app switches on macOS as unencrypted plain text.
- The feature is not available in the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK due to regulatory concerns.
- While offering user controls, the feature raises data privacy and security concerns.
What happened
OpenAI has launched Computer History, a new feature for ChatGPT on macOS that records user activity such as clicks, keystrokes, keyboard shortcuts, and app switches. These activities are stored locally as unencrypted plain text Markdown files, which can be searched and used by the assistant to provide context. The feature is designed to be narrow in scope, excluding screenshots, screen recordings, microphone input, system audio, and private browsing activities. Computer History replaces the previous Chronicle feature, which captured screen images to build context. The new feature uses input events instead of images, aiming to be more privacy-conscious. However, the unencrypted nature of the memory files raises security concerns, as any program running under the same macOS account could potentially access them. OpenAI has implemented layered consent for the feature, requiring both administrator and user approval for Business and Enterprise workspaces. Users can also control which apps and websites are included or excluded from logging, and can pause recording from the menu bar. Temporary event files are stored on the device for 48 hours before being deleted, and OpenAI states that these files are not used to train models. However, chat contents that include memories may still be used for training, depending on user settings.
Why it matters
The launch of Computer History highlights OpenAI's efforts to enhance ChatGPT's contextual understanding while addressing privacy concerns. The feature's exclusion from the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK underscores the regulatory challenges faced by AI companies operating in Europe. For developers and startups, the feature demonstrates the potential of using system-level input events to build context-aware applications. However, the unencrypted storage of memory files and the potential for chat contents to be used for training raise data privacy and security concerns that need to be carefully managed. Investors should consider the balance between functionality and privacy as AI companies navigate the complex regulatory landscape.
Key facts
- Computer History logs clicks, keystrokes, keyboard shortcuts, and app switches on macOS.
- Memory files are stored locally as unencrypted plain text Markdown files.
- The feature is unavailable in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK.
- Temporary event files are stored on the device for 48 hours before deletion.
- OpenAI states that memory files are not used to train models, but chat contents may be.
- Users can control which apps and websites are included or excluded from logging.
- The feature requires both administrator and user approval for Business and Enterprise workspaces.
- Computer History replaces the previous Chronicle feature, which captured screen images.
Context
The launch of Computer History comes at a time when AI companies are increasingly focused on building context-aware applications. The feature's exclusion from Europe highlights the ongoing tensions between AI innovation and data privacy regulations. As AI assistants become more integrated into daily workflows, the need for robust privacy and security measures becomes increasingly important. The industry continues to grapple with the challenge of recording and processing user data in a way that respects user privacy and complies with regulatory requirements. OpenAI's approach with Computer History reflects a broader industry trend towards transparency and user control in data collection practices.
