Computer History

OpenAI ChatGPT Computer History Feature on macOS Could Expose Detailed User Activity Logs to Infostealers

OpenAI has introduced the Computer History feature in its macOS ChatGPT app, which records application switches, clicks, keystrokes, and accessibility context to generate AI summaries and memories. The feature is disabled by default and requires explicit activation of Memories, with availability limited to Pro, Business, and Enterprise users outside the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK. While raw event files are deleted after 48 hours and not used for model training, the resulting Markdown memory files remain unencrypted on the local Mac. These files can be read by any process running under the same user account, creating a ready-made activity log for infostealers and other malware. OpenAI also warns about prompt injection risks where hidden instructions from websites or apps could influence ChatGPT or Codex behavior. Users retain controls to select participating apps, pause collection, or delete history, but the lack of encryption on stored memories raises significant privacy concerns.