OpenAI's new Computer History feature logs your clicks and keystrokes for AI training

OpenAI has rolled out Computer History, a feature in ChatGPT's macOS desktop application that monitors what you do on your computer—recording clicks, keystrokes, and other user actions—and feeds that data back into the AI system. The capability builds an activity timeline that ChatGPT and Codex can reference when processing your requests, enabling the system to understand your work patterns and offer task suggestions.

How it works#

The feature operates somewhat like Microsoft's Windows Recall but with a different technical approach. Instead of relying on screenshots, Computer History catalogs discrete "events" tied to your actions. According to OpenAI, the tool does not record images, videos, or audio. In a demo video, OpenAI engineer Dominik Kundel showed the system retrieving his most recently edited document, identifying whether it had been shared via Slack, and generating a summary of his morning activities.

Privacy controls#

OpenAI has framed Computer History as an opt-in feature rather than enabled by default. Users can selectively block specific applications and websites from being tracked, and they can manually delete activity entries if desired. The company has also committed to automatically excluding data captured in incognito or private browsing tabs. Product manager Ari Weinstein stated on X that these safeguards are built into the system.

Privacy concerns#

The feature draws inevitable comparison to Windows Recall, which faced backlash over privacy and security risks during its development. While Computer History sidesteps the more invasive screenshot mechanism, the underlying concept—continuous monitoring of user behavior for AI training—raises similar questions about data collection, retention, and potential misuse.