OpenAI's ChatGPT Computer History logs Mac keystrokes in plain text

OpenAI has introduced Computer History, a new opt-in feature for the ChatGPT Mac app that records clicks, keystrokes, keyboard shortcuts, and app switches to build a searchable timeline of user activity. The feature is available only to Pro, Business, and Enterprise accounts, and it replaces the earlier Chronicle feature, which relied on screenshots. Unlike Chronicle, Computer History captures no images, video, or audio, and it excludes private browsing. Source: The Verge Source: ZDNET

Privacy and security

The feature stores memory files locally as unencrypted plain text, meaning any program running under the same macOS account could read them. OpenAI acknowledges heightened risks of prompt injection and advises against using the feature with communication apps unless all participants consent. Source: The Next Web The company says memory files are not used to train models, but when memories surface as context in later chats, those chats may become training data depending on user settings. Source: The Next Web

Availability and controls

Computer History is rolling out globally, but access in the UK, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area will follow in the coming weeks. Source: ZDNET Users can exclude specific apps and websites, delete individual entries, and pause recording from the menu bar. On Business and Enterprise workspaces, administrators must enable the feature, and users must separately agree. Source: The Next Web Source: The Verge

Key points

• Computer History is opt-in, not opt-out, and automatically ignores incognito or private browser tabs. Source: The Verge
• Temporary event files are stored for 48 hours before deletion, and OpenAI processes them on its servers without keeping them unless legally required. Source: The Next Web
• The feature is reminiscent of Windows Recall, but it relies on "events" rather than screenshots. Source: The Verge