ChatGPT extension reads open browser tabs

The ChatGPT extension for Chrome can now read users' open tabs, allowing the AI to access and analyze content displayed in multiple browser windows. This update was announced last week by OpenAI on X, and it works on Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers, which can use extensions from the Chrome Web Store. These features are available to all users, regardless of whether they have a ChatGPT subscription.

ChatGPT compares products across tabs

In Chat mode, ChatGPT can browse open tabs to answer user questions. OpenAI provided an example where a user looking for a sofa with three different models consulted in three tabs could have the assistant compare them based on dimensions, material, delivery time, and return policy. This feature was introduced this summer but was previously limited to the side panel of the extension. Now, users can simply add @Chrome to their message in the web or desktop application of ChatGPT, and the assistant will directly access the tabs.

ChatGPT interacts with tabs in Work mode

In Work mode, ChatGPT does not only read tabs but can also interact with them on the user's behalf. This includes sending messages, filling out forms, downloading files, and grouping tabs by themes. OpenAI had previously attempted a similar approach with its own agent-based browser, ChatGPT Atlas, which was launched exactly a year ago. Atlas allowed users to click buttons, fill out forms, and navigate between pages, with early access available to Plus, Pro, and Business subscribers.

Extension available for all users

The ChatGPT extension is available for installation from the Chrome Web Store and works with all versions of ChatGPT, including the free version. Regarding privacy, the extension collects a wide range of data categories, including information allowing user identification (name, address, email, age), health and financial data (credit card numbers, bank statements), authentication details (passwords, identifiers), personal communications (emails, SMS, chat messages), location data (IP address, GPS coordinates), web history (list of pages viewed, titles, and times of visits), user activity (clicks, scrolling, keyboard inputs), and content from websites (text, images, sounds, videos, links).

Data usage policies outlined

OpenAI states that it does not sell this data to third parties outside of approved use cases, does not use or transfer it for purposes unrelated to the basic function of the extension, and does not use it to assess creditworthiness or offer loans. This clarifies the company’s stance on how the collected data is used and ensures it remains focused on the core functionality of the extension.