OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Computer History: Cross-App Memory Draws Praise and Privacy Backlash
On August 14, OpenAI announced an opt-in Computer History feature for the Mac ChatGPT desktop app and Codex: once enabled, the system records users' cross-app, cross-website interaction events into a local activity timeline, letting the AI understand recent work context, pick up unfinished projects, and suggest skills or scheduled tasks for repetitive work. The feature is rolling out globally to Pro, Business, and Enterprise users, with those in the EEA, the UK, and Switzerland gaining access in the coming weeks. Hands-on reviews have been positive, but the feature has also sparked notable privacy controversy.
Confirmed
- OpenAI has officially confirmed the feature is opt-in and available for both ChatGPT and Codex, rolling out to Pro, Business, and Enterprise users of the Mac ChatGPT desktop app, with EEA, UK, and Switzerland users to follow in the coming weeks
- On the technical side, the system records interaction events such as clicks, keystrokes, app switches, and tabs—excluding screenshots and audio recording—to build a local activity timeline; OpenAI stresses that users can review the entire history in the timeline view
- On hands-on feedback, @jeffweinstein says the experience
2026-08-14 ~ 2026-08-15 · 16 related posts
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- ChatGPT for Mac Adds Computer History Feature That Remembers Your Workflow — heypearlai · 2026-08-14
- OpenAI's Computer History feature sparks spyware accusations over app activity tracking — evilsocket · 2026-08-15
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