ToolsAugust 14, 2026via The Decoder

OpenAI's Computer History turns your clicks and keystrokes into a searchable ChatGPT memory timeline

Why it matters

OpenAI shipped a new product feature that records local activity and feeds it into ChatGPT conversations, raising immediate questions about data handling, training use, and what 'local storage' actually protects when memories flow into chat logs.

Key signals

  • OpenAI Computer History records clicks, keystrokes, and app switches on Mac
  • Data stored locally as unencrypted Markdown files
  • OpenAI states data is not used for AI training, but memories in chats may become training data
  • Feature integrates with ChatGPT and Codex
  • Creates searchable timeline accessible to ChatGPT

The hook

OpenAI's Computer History turns your entire screen into ChatGPT context — but the privacy fine print matters.

OpenAI's Computer History records clicks, keystrokes, and app switches on Mac and turns them into a searchable timeline for ChatGPT and Codex. The data is stored locally as unencrypted Markdown files. OpenAI says it's not used for AI training, but memories that feed into chats may still end up as tr

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