OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Agent, a groundbreaking advancement that transforms the popular AI from a conversational assistant into an autonomous digital colleague capable of independently completing complex tasks.
The new system allows ChatGPT to think and act proactively, handling complex tasks from start to finish using its own virtual computer. Users can now request ChatGPT to perform a wide variety of computer-based tasks, from navigating calendars and generating editable presentations to running code.
What sets ChatGPT Agent apart is its unified approach to AI capabilities. Previously, OpenAI offered separate tools with distinct strengths: Operator could scroll, click, and type on websites but couldn't perform deep analysis, while Deep Research excelled at analyzing and summarizing information but couldn't interact with websites requiring authentication. By integrating these complementary strengths and introducing additional tools, OpenAI has unlocked entirely new capabilities within one model.
Security is a central focus of the new system. OpenAI has placed particular emphasis on safeguarding ChatGPT Agent against adversarial manipulation through prompt injection, which is a risk for agentic systems where third parties attempt to manipulate behavior through malicious instructions encountered on the web. The company has trained and tested the agent to identify and resist prompt injections, implemented monitoring to rapidly detect and respond to attacks, and requires explicit user confirmation before consequential actions. Outputs include clearly labeled source links or screenshot citations so users can verify information. Additional privacy controls allow users to delete all browsing data and immediately log out of all active website sessions with a single click. When users interact with the web using ChatGPT's browser in "takeover mode," inputs remain private, and ChatGPT does not collect or store sensitive data like passwords.
Despite these advancements, ChatGPT Agent is still in its early stages. While capable of handling a range of complex tasks, it can still make mistakes. The new Agent feature is currently available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users, allowing the AI to perform real tasks using a virtual computer inside the browser.
This release represents a pivotal moment in AI's integration into professional workflows. The latest evolution of artificial intelligence transcends mere conversation, ushering in an era where digital assistants can actively perform tasks across the digital landscape. This development signals a significant shift, moving AI from interpretive understanding to direct, actionable engagement with the tools and interfaces humans use daily. The launch signals a shift in how users interact with AI—from asking questions to assigning complete tasks. With its ability to reason, act, and produce deliverables, OpenAI is betting that users increasingly want AI not just to assist them, but to work for them.