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OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas Browser Faces Security Scrutiny Over Data Collection

OpenAI's new ChatGPT Atlas browser, integrating AI features, is drawing significant security and privacy concerns due to its default data collection and potential vulnerabilities.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

  • OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-powered web browser, directly challenging established browsers like Google Chrome and other AI-driven competitors in the market.
  • The browser integrates ChatGPT, offering features such as natural language interaction, a built-in sidebar for summaries, and a paid 'agent mode' for autonomous internet searches.
  • A key feature, 'browser memories,' saves users' online activities by default, immediately raising significant security and privacy concerns among experts regarding data control.
  • Concerns about the Atlas Agent feature include a demonstrated hacking method and the potential for phishing attacks, despite its ability to research and book vacations.
  • Initially available on Apple's MacOS with plans for rapid expansion, OpenAI aims for profitability with Atlas, navigating these emerging privacy and security challenges.
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Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Center-leaning sources collectively frame the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas browser around its competitive challenge to Google and, more prominently, the significant privacy and security concerns it presents to users. They emphasize the need for caution, highlighting how the browser's features could lead to extensive data collection, despite OpenAI's assurances.

"While the new capabilities can be exciting for seasoned AI users, some are worried about privacy risks that everyday users may overlook."

USA TODAYUSA TODAY
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Article

"Experts are warning that there may be canyon-sized privacy and security holes in AI browsers like Atlas."

GizmodoGizmodo
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Article

"OpenAI has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered web browser to challenge competitors like Google, which operates Chrome, the most popular browser in the world."

BBC NewsBBC News
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Article

"OpenAI introduced its own web browser, Atlas, on Tuesday, putting the ChatGPT maker in direct competition with Google as more internet users rely on artificial intelligence to answer their questions."

Chicago TribuneChicago Tribune
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Limited access — this outlet restricts by article count and/or content type.
Article

"The release of ChatGPT Atlas builds on OpenAI’s efforts to bring more “agentic” AI to users, through bots that can accomplish tasks on your behalf."

SemaforSemafor
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Article

"OpenAI announced the Atlas browser that it hopes will do something similar for its ChatGPT Large Language Model, answering the question “What if I could chat with a browser?”"

ARS TechnicaARS Technica
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Article

"OpenAI said Tuesday it is launching an artificial intelligence-powered website browser, heightening the company's competition with Google, the Alphabet-owned unit that has long dominated online search."

CBS NewsCBS News
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Article

"OpenAI announced that it is launching a web browser called ChatGPT Atlas, which it says will reimagine the browsing experience from the ground up, now built around a chat-based experience for what the company called the “next era of the web.”"

GizmodoGizmodo
·13d
Article

"OpenAI announced Tuesday the launch of its AI-powered browser, ChatGPT Atlas, a major step in the company’s quest to unseat Google as the main way people find information online."

TechCrunchTechCrunch
·13d
Article

"OpenAI said Tuesday it is introducing its own web browser, Atlas, putting the ChatGPT maker in direct competition with Google as more internet users rely on artificial intelligence to answer their questions."

Associated PressAssociated Press
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Article

"OpenAI has released a generative AI-powered web browser called ChatGPT Atlas, which marks a big step in the company's expansion beyond its ChatGPT chatbot platform."

CNETCNET
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Article

"The browser, called ChatGPT Atlas, is designed to be a more personalized web experience and also field tasks such as booking flights and editing documents on a user’s behalf."

BloombergBloomberg
·13d
Limited access — this outlet restricts by article count and/or content type.
Article

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FAQ

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ChatGPT Atlas features include 'browser memories' and 'agent mode.' 'Browser memories' record user interactions to personalize responses, while 'agent mode' allows the AI to perform tasks like filling forms. These features are designed to enhance user experience by providing more personalized and automated interactions on the web.

Security concerns with ChatGPT Atlas include prompt injection attacks, where malicious instructions can be embedded in web content to trick the AI into performing unauthorized actions. This vulnerability expands the attack surface as AI operates with full privileges across multiple sessions.

OpenAI is researching and mitigating risks such as prompt injections. The company offers optional features that users can disable or erase data from, and browsing content is excluded from model training unless users opt-in. However, OpenAI has not fully detailed its security measures.

ChatGPT Atlas represents a step toward AI-powered operating systems, where computers will be controlled through prompts rather than traditional interfaces. This shift could redefine how users interact with technology, but it also raises significant security challenges.

History

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  • 13d
    BBC News logo
    Chicago Tribune logo
    Semafor logo
    3 articles
  • 13d
    Wired logo
    The Guardian logo
    ARS Technica logo
    10 articles