OpenAI launched a new web browser built with ChatGPT on Tuesday. The technology allows users to search the web, receive assistance from AI to complete tasks often requested in ChatGPT and get additional support using the app’s agent mode.
The news comes as most ChatGPT users already use the platform as a search engine. It also comes as Gen Z was reported to use social media platforms like TikTok significantly more than Google to conduct everyday searches.
What is OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas?
Atlas is a browser extension that can be added on macOS for ChatGPT Free, Plus, Pro and Go users. The tool will launch for Windows, iOS, and Android at a later date. Atlas allows users to receive assistance from ChatGPT as they browse the web instead of clicking in and out of the platform.
OpenAI added the feature after seeing the popularity of its recently launched search tool in ChatGPT.
“AI gives us a rare moment to rethink what it means to use the web. Last year, we added search in ChatGPT so you could instantly find timely information from across the internet—and it quickly became one of our most-used features,” the company said in a statement. “But your browser is where all of your work, tools, and context come together. A browser built with ChatGPT takes us closer to a true super-assistant that understands your world and helps you achieve your goals.”
When browsing the web with Atlas, ChatGPT will be able to provide assistance directly in the window that users are browsing. It will also collect memories from past chats and browsing experiences in order to provide further assistance. OpenAI gives the example of someone applying to jobs who could prompt ChatGPT a question such as: “Find all the job postings I was looking at last week and create a summary of industry trends so I can prepare for interviews.”
Atlas is also available in beta for companies and educational institutions.
What is Agent mode in Atlas?
Agent mode in Atlas gives ChatGPT access to your browsing history in order to complete tasks for you. It can plan events, book appointments while you browse and automate tasks. This feature is currently available for Plus, Pro and Business users.
“This launch marks a step toward a future where most web use happens through agentic systems—where you can delegate the routine and stay focused on what matters most,” the company said.
Will my private information be safe when using Atlas?
Any extension added to a browser gives it access to a user’s data and browsing history; Atlas is no different. However, OpenAI is giving users the ability to control what ChatGPT sees and remembers while searching the web. Users are able to clear specific pages, clear their entire browsing history or open an incognito window in order to temporarily log out of ChatGPT.
The company added that memories are optional and can be viewed, archived and deleted. It also noted that the content users browse aren’t used to train their models unless they choose to opt in to the feature or have enabled training for chats in their ChatGPT account.
OpenAI said it added safeguards regarding web browsing, such as not being able to run in the browser, download files or install extensions. It also can’t access other apps on the computer or the file system. Atlas’s agent system will pause to ensure you are watching before taking actions related to financial institutions. Users will also have the possibility to use the agent system in logged out mode in order to limit its access to sensitive data and pose as you on websites.
Yet, OpenAI makes it clear that using the agent system still poses a risk for users.
“Besides simply making mistakes when acting on your behalf, agents are susceptible to hidden malicious instructions, which may be hidden in places such as a webpage or email with the intention that the instructions override ChatGPT agent’s intended behavior,” the company stated. “This could lead to stealing data from sites you’re logged into or taking actions you didn’t intend.”