Users Suspect ChatGPT Mac App Reads Local Files
Secret_Consequence48 · reddit · 2026-07-14
A Reddit user reported that after a recent update, the ChatGPT Mac desktop app seemingly gained the ability to read local file paths and hidden file lists without explicit authorization or any indication in system settings.
Following the update, the user noticed anomalies in chat history and project logs. Subsequently, the model directly output local directory paths and listed the files within them. The original post flagged this as a severe privacy risk, warning Mac users to hold off on installing the app until a comprehensive security audit is performed.
Related event: ChatGPT macOS desktop revamp draws concentrated user pushback(8 posts)→
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