OpenAI has released Signals data tracking 165 work activities across nearly 100 countries, showing how ChatGPT is integrated into global labor. The dataset spans from Q1 2025 to Q3 2026 and connects AI usage to economic indicators.
TL;DR
- OpenAI Signals data reveals how ChatGPT is used for 165 work activities across nearly 100 countries.
- The dataset shows that work-related use of ChatGPT is diversifying, with countries specializing in different types of work.
- Researchers can compare ChatGPT usage with actual work activities in the U.S. economy.
What happened
OpenAI has launched a new dataset called OpenAI Signals, which tracks how ChatGPT is used for work across nearly 100 countries. The data covers 165 work activities, known as Intermediate Work Activities (IWAs), and spans from the first quarter of 2025 to the third quarter of 2026. The dataset is updated quarterly and is designed to help researchers understand the role of AI in the economy.
The data is based on a standardized framework called O*NET, which groups occupation-specific tasks into broader categories of work activities. This allows researchers to compare ChatGPT use with other types of occupational and employment data. The interactive chart provided by OpenAI allows users to explore these work activities within a specific country over time.
The data shows that work-related use of ChatGPT is becoming less concentrated in the most common activities. In Q3 2026, the ten most common activities represented an average of 51.1% of each country's classified work messages, down from 56.0% in Q1 2025. This suggests that countries are specializing in different types of work, which could reflect variations in the kind of work done across countries or varying access to AI tools.
Why it matters
This dataset is a valuable resource for researchers studying the impact of AI on the economy. It provides a new way to understand how people use AI for work and how this usage changes over time. The data can be used to track changes in AI usage across countries and match this data to other economic indicators.
For developers and startups, this data can provide insights into how AI is being integrated into different industries and countries. This can help inform the development of new AI tools and services that meet the needs of different markets. For investors, the data can provide a better understanding of the economic impact of AI and the potential for growth in different sectors.
However, it's important to note that the data does not include enterprise messages or Codex use. Additionally, the data is aggregated and anonymized to protect users' privacy, which means that individual conversations are not readable by researchers. Despite these limitations, the dataset provides a unique and valuable perspective on the role of AI in the global economy.
Key facts
- OpenAI Signals data tracks 165 work activities across nearly 100 countries.
- The dataset spans from Q1 2025 to Q3 2026 and is updated quarterly.
- The data is based on a standardized framework called O*NET.
- In Q3 2026, the ten most common activities represented 51.1% of each country's classified work messages, down from 56.0% in Q1 2025.
- The data shows wide variation across countries in how people use ChatGPT for work.
- The dataset does not include enterprise messages or Codex use.
- Researchers do not read individual conversations; the data is aggregated and anonymized.
- The data can be explored using an interactive chart provided by OpenAI.
Context
OpenAI Signals is part of OpenAI's ongoing effort to share evidence about how people use AI. This dataset builds on previous efforts to provide transparency and insights into the impact of AI on society. The release of this data is timely, as the role of AI in the economy is a topic of increasing interest and importance.
The use of AI in the workplace is a rapidly evolving field. As AI tools become more sophisticated, they are being integrated into a wider range of work activities. This dataset provides a snapshot of this evolution and can help inform future developments in the field.
The release of this data also raises important questions about the ethical implications of AI in the workplace. As AI tools become more prevalent, it will be increasingly important to ensure that they are used in a way that is fair, transparent, and beneficial to all.
