ChatGPT's New Feature: Keystrokes Logged in Plain Text

OpenAI has introduced a new ChatGPT feature called Computer History that records clicks, keystrokes, and app switches on macOS. This feature builds a searchable memory of user activity. What's important to know is that these memory files are stored locally as unencrypted plain text. This means any program running on the same macOS account could potentially read them. The feature is not available in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the UK. While it logs input events, it does not take screenshots, screen recordings, or microphone input. Private browsing is also excluded. Users can control which apps and websites are included or excluded, and recording can be paused. OpenAI states that these memory files are not used to train models. However, if memories appear as context in later chats, those chat contents might become training data, depending on user settings. The company's documentation also highlights risks like heightened exposure to prompt injection and advises caution when using it with sensitive data. This matters because it raises questions about data privacy and security for users.