ChatGPT adds new feature to track user activity on computers

ChatGPT is rolling out a new feature that monitors user activity on their computers, sparking discussion among users. While some welcome the enhancement, others express reservations about its functionality.

The new capability allows ChatGPT to track users' computer activities, creating a timeline of their digital interactions. This data is then used by the ChatGPT and Codex algorithms to build a historical reference of user habits, enabling more personalized automation suggestions. Currently, this feature is exclusive to the ChatGPT desktop application for macOS users.

Users have the option to enable or disable this tracking feature. They can also specify particular applications or websites to be excluded from monitoring. This functionality bears resemblance to Microsoft's 'Recall' feature, developed for Windows 11, which also focused on capturing user actions through screenshots to aid in later retrieval.

However, the ChatGPT feature differs in that it does not employ a recording system. Instead, it tracks user actions on their computer as general activity, aiming to understand usage patterns for improved service delivery.