Observed Signal · Aug 24, 2026 · Product Launch · Source: t3n · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Negative
ChatGPT 'Computer History' Records Mac Activity
OpenAI has deployed a Mac-only ChatGPT feature called "Computer History" that can record user activity on macOS by using accessibility APIs. The feature is currently available to Pro subscribers (~€100) and to Business/Enterprise customers if enabled by admins; it was initially unavailable in the EU but is now active there. Computer History logs keyboard and mouse usage, can request screenshots, and writes detailed Markdown "memory" files into the user directory (.codex/memories/...), which OpenAI says are not deleted. An internal cache holds additional data for at least two days. Users can exclude apps or websites and control whether collected data is used for model training via the account training toggle. The implementation raises significant data protection and security concerns because memory files are stored in plain user-accessible locations and may expose sensitive content such as visited URLs and 2FA codes.
Major LLM vendor (OpenAI) released a feature that records detailed user activity and stores accessible memory files, raising industry-wide privacy, security, and data-governance implications for AI deployments and first‑party data practices.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- OpenAI rolled out a ChatGPT macOS feature called "Computer History" that records computer activity via macOS accessibility APIs.
- The feature is available only to Pro subscribers (around €100) and to Business/Enterprise customers with admin approval.
- Computer History logs keyboard/mouse usage, can capture screenshots if granted, and stores detailed Markdown memory files under .codex/memories/... in the user directory.
- OpenAI states the memory files are not deleted and an internal cache retains additional data for at least two days.
- Users can opt apps/websites out of recording and control whether data is used for model training via the account training switch.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mapped“Laut OpenAI erfasst die Software unter anderem Tastatur- und Mausnutzung....”
“ChatGPT landet damit in ähnlichem Territorium wie Microsofts umstrittene Windows-Funktion Recall....”
“Computer History greift die Daten über Apples Barrierefreiheitsfunktionen ab – also jene Schnittstellen, die eigentlich Hilfsprogramme mit B...”
“Hier findest du externe Inhalte von TargetVideo GmbH, die unser redaktionelles Angebot auf t3n.de ergänzen....”
“Hier findest du externe Inhalte von TargetVideo GmbH, die unser redaktionelles Angebot auf t3n.de ergänzen....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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GPT-5.6 Sol Ultrafast; ChatGPT Adds Computer History
OpenAI announced an “Ultrafast” performance tier for GPT‑5.6 Sol that can generate up to 750 output tokens per second and deliver up to 14× faster throughput than standard processing, enabled in part by Cerebras wafer‑scale hardware. It also introduced Computer History, an opt‑in feature in the ChatGPT and Codex desktop app for Mac that builds a local timeline of recent interactions (clicks, keystrokes, inputs, app switches and shortcuts) to help resume tasks and surface recurring workflows; it excludes screenshots, screen recordings, microphone input, system audio and private browsing. Interaction events are stored temporarily on the Mac, briefly processed in a short‑lived Codex session on OpenAI servers and deleted (temporary files removed within 48 hours); Memory files remain local until the user deletes them. Computer History is rolling out first to Pro, Business and Enterprise Mac users (admins may need to enable workspace access) but is initially unavailable in Germany, the EEA, the UK and Switzerland.
ChatGPT's memory knows more about you than you think
OpenAI's ChatGPT has significantly enhanced its memory feature, automatically storing and organizing user information such as interests, preferences, and long-term goals without explicit commands. The 'Dream' function, introduced in June, helps process and contextualize memories, allowing the chatbot to understand temporal context like past events. However, this automatic memory can lead to incorrect assumptions, such as misclassifying users based on temporary searches, raising privacy concerns. Users can manage their memory via the 'Personalisierung' (Personalization) tab, where they can enable/disable the feature, view and edit the AI-created profile, or delete all memories, while past conversations remain intact. Temporary chats offer a privacy-safe mode that does not save any information. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for managing ChatGPT's memory effectively, balancing convenience and privacy.
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