ChatGPT Atlas is a web browser developed by OpenAI that integrates the capabilities of the chatbot ChatGPT directly into the browsing experience. OpenAI+2MacRumors+2
Key features include:
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A built-in sidebar “Ask ChatGPT” panel that lets you ask questions about the current webpage, get summaries, ask for rewrites or analysis. OpenAI Help Center+1
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A “Browser memories” feature: if enabled, the browser remembers context from the sites you visit (with your consent) so the assistant can draw on that later. OpenAI+1
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An “Agent mode” (preview for paid tiers) where ChatGPT can take actions on your behalf in the browser: open tabs, navigate sites, help with tasks like shopping, research, etc. TechCrunch
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Privacy and data controls: you can control what the assistant sees, what it remembers, whether browsing data can be used for model training. OpenAI Help Center
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Initially launched on macOS (October 21, 2025) with future plans for Windows, iOS, Android. Wikipedia+1
Why it matters
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It represents a shift in how web browsers are defined: rather than just rendering webpages, Atlas treats browsing as a conversational, context-aware activity. Global Tech Council
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It brings the AI assistant into the flow of your existing browsing rather than making you toggle between tabs or copy/paste content. TechCrunch
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It positions OpenAI into more direct competition with legacy browsers like Google Chrome and Safari, as well as newer AI-native options. The Guardian+1
Considerations & caveats
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The Agent mode, which allows the assistant to act on your behalf, is still in preview and may not handle more complex workflows reliably yet. OpenAI
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Because Atlas has deeper access (optional) to browsing context and actions, there are additional security and privacy risks compared to a standard browser. For example:
“OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Atlas browser is … a security professional’s worst nightmare. … The browser watches what you do, remembers it, and gives an AI agent the power to act on your behalf.” reddit.com
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Default behaviour: by default, browsing content is not used to train OpenAI’s models, and memories are optional. OpenAI Help Center