What ChatGPT can actually see on your computer as latest update 'watches your browsing activity'
OpenAI has faced questions in recent weeks about how much information its AI bot, ChatGPT, is able to collect from what users are doing online.
This comes after a researcher uncovered an advertising cookie that can be sent from participating websites back to OpenAI.
So, what can ChatGPT actually see on your computer? It turns out that a new update on the AI model enables tracking tools which store your browser history across several months by enabling analytics cookies.
With this, ChatGPT can observe your desktop activity, local files, and applications through a new feature known as ‘Computer History’ as well as desktop app permissions in ChatGPT Work.
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Here is everything you need to know about what the AI bot can access.
App and Website Activity
OpenAI’s chatbot is able to create a log that outlines a timeline of your actions and activity on web browsers and apps.
This creates a searchable Computer History which, as reported by PCWorld, allows ChatGPT to ‘track your computer activity, creating a timeline of your actions that can then be used by ChatGPT and Codex’.
This is a similar method to ‘Microsoft’s Windows Recall feature, which also tracks your activity history, except Computer History doesn’t take screenshots’.
Local Files and Tools
ChatGPT Business comes with the ability for the desktop app to read and interact with local files and desktop software.
On the OpenAI website, it explains: “Live now supports plugins on web, iOS, and Android. You can use the plugins and connected apps available to your account during a Voice conversation and follow written responses in the chat.
“Workspace controls continue to apply. Voice in Work requires both Voice and Work access, and plugins retain their existing app access, data permissions, and action restrictions. When an action needs your approval, review it on screen.”
However, this feature does require your explicit permission to enable it.
Active Screen Content
ChatGPT is able to see what you display on your screen, which it uses to summarize work, automate repeating tasks, and provide context without requiring repeated explanations.
OpenAI shares how on Windows, a new feature called Computer Use can run on the active desktop.
The AI firm goes on to say: “It can’t operate in the background while you keep using the same Windows session, so expect ChatGPT to move the pointer, type, and take over the foreground while the task runs.”
Can you stop your activity from being tracked?
The easiest way to stop this from happening is to simply deny all non-essential cookies supplied to OpenAI and ChatGPT, which you can do either the first time that you access the service or by following these steps:
- Log in to your account on the OpenAI homepage and head to the Settings menu
- Select Data Controls, then head into Cookie Consent
- Toggle off all of the cookies that you don't want, making sure that both analytics and marketing are disabled
If you're using an iOS device then all third-party cookies will be blocked by default, regardless of whether you're using Apple's Safari browser or Google Chrome. You are subject to this tracking activity when using Chrome on Android or Windows operating systems, however, so you'll want to block third-party cookies manually from the settings of your browser of choice.