ChatGPT Chrome extension can access open tabs through connected apps
OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT Chrome extension so ChatGPT can view a user’s open tabs when Chrome is tagged in the ChatGPT web or desktop app. The change lets people ask ChatGPT to compare information across pages or help with tasks without copying details from each tab.
The update also brings ChatGPT’s conversation history into the browser sidebar, so users can access Chat or Work while viewing a page. ChatGPT Work can control tabs to send messages, fill in forms and download files, and can organise or group tabs. OpenAI’s examples include comparing vendors and prices, preparing a form, and drafting an email based on contractor options.
- ChatGPT can now use information from open Chrome tabs.
- The sidebar includes users’ conversation history.
- ChatGPT Work can handle browser tasks such as forms and downloads.
New here? Start with this
A Chrome extension is an add-on that brings extra features into Google’s web browser. ChatGPT is OpenAI’s AI assistant, and its browser extension can connect information from web pages with a conversation in ChatGPT.
OpenAI makes Chat and Work, two versions of ChatGPT for different tasks. Work can interact with browser pages, for example by entering information into forms or organising tabs. Access to open tabs matters because it can help people work with information across several pages without copying it into a chat.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Letting ChatGPT use open tabs could save time and make browser tasks easier, especially when people need to compare information across pages or prepare forms and messages. Bringing conversations into the sidebar and allowing tab organisation may also help users work without repeatedly switching between pages or copying details.
The case against
Giving an AI access to open tabs and the ability to act on them raises reasonable concerns about privacy, security and user control, particularly when pages contain sensitive information or actions have consequences. People may also worry that the convenience encourages them to share more context than they intended, or that mistakes while filling forms, sending messages or downloading files could create problems.
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Originally published by The Verge as “ChatGPT can peek at your Chrome tabs now”.