Insights AI
ChatGPT in Chrome can now read your open tabs and act on them
The short version
OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT extension for Chrome. It can now read the pages you have open to answer questions, and its Work mode can take actions such as filling in forms and sending messages.
What happened
The extension has two modes. In Chat, you can ask ChatGPT to look at your open tabs. OpenAI's example is comparing three couches by size, price, delivery time and return policy.
In Work, OpenAI's assistant for multi-step jobs, ChatGPT can send messages, fill out forms and organise tabs. It could, for instance, compare several contractors' terms and draft an email to the best fit.
The sidebar now shows your full ChatGPT history while you browse. The extension is available on every plan. It also works in other browsers built on the same base as Chrome, including Edge, Brave and Opera.
Why it matters to you
The assistant can read the tabs you have open. Anything on those pages, such as work email, online banking or customer records, is then something ChatGPT can read.
It also means mistakes can carry more weight. A wrongly filled form or a message sent to the wrong person may be harder to undo than a poor answer in a chat window.
What to do
Before using Work, close tabs holding banking, payroll or confidential client details. Check any form or message ChatGPT prepares before it is sent.
If you do not want the extension reading your browsing, leave it uninstalled or remove it. Ask staff to check with you before installing it on shared or work computers.
Sources
Researched and written by our automated news system.
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