OpenAI's ChatGPT now tracks your clicks and keystrokes

OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Computer History in the ChatGPT desktop app for macOS, which records user interactions such as mouse clicks and keystrokes to build a timeline of activity. This timeline is then used by ChatGPT and Codex to understand how users work, suggest automations, and even resume unfinished tasks. The feature is opt-in, meaning users must enable it, and it provides controls to exclude specific apps and websites from tracking, as well as the ability to delete individual entries. According to Ari Weinstein, OpenAI's Product and Engineering manager, Computer History automatically ignores content in incognito or private browser tabs. A demo video by Dominik Kundel, a member of OpenAI's Developer Experiences team, shows the app retrieving the last document he edited, checking if it was shared via Slack, and summarizing his morning activities.

This feature bears a strong resemblance to Microsoft's Windows Recall, which was controversial due to its reliance on screenshots. However, OpenAI emphasizes that Computer History does not capture images, videos, or audio; instead, it relies on "events"—presumably metadata about user actions. This distinction may address some privacy concerns, but the tracking of keystrokes and clicks still raises significant privacy questions. The opt-in nature and exclusion controls are steps toward user consent, but the potential for misuse or unintended data exposure remains a concern.

The introduction of Computer History reflects a broader trend in AI development where companies seek to leverage user data to improve personalization and automation. By learning from user behavior, AI assistants can become more proactive and helpful, but this comes at the cost of increased surveillance. The feature is currently available only on macOS, with no announced plans for other platforms. As AI assistants become more integrated into daily workflows, the balance between utility and privacy will be a critical issue for users and regulators alike.

The timing of this release is notable, as it follows the backlash against Windows Recall, which was delayed due to privacy concerns. OpenAI's approach may be seen as an attempt to offer similar functionality while addressing some of the criticisms. However, the effectiveness of these safeguards will be tested in real-world usage. Users will need to decide whether the benefits of automation outweigh the potential risks of having their digital activities monitored and analyzed.