ChatGPT can now send messages on your behalf.
A new update to the Mac app allows the AI-powered chatbot to prepare and send messages on its user’s behalf. It will also allow ChatGPT to read through all of a persons message so that it can analyse who they talk to and what about.
It is available in the latest version of the ChatGPT Mac app, which brings a host of other changes including better synchronisation of conversations between the Mac and the iPhone.
In addition to any controversies over relying on an AI system to stay in touch with friends, and the ways people might feel about receiving messages that are actually written by an automated system, the new tool could cause conflict with Apple.
The company has strongly advocated for the privacy of users’ messages, stressing for instance when it revealed a new version of Siri that none of the data used to understand or write messages would ever leave the iPhone itself. And OpenAI and Apple have already had a difficult few months, with the two locked in a court battle over claims that OpenAI stole trade secrets from Apple.
OpenAI said the new feature would make it “easier” to have “everyday conversations”. “Search messages, catch up on conversations, draft and send replies,” it said in its announcement.
“We've added native integration with iMessage, so ChatGPT can now send & read messages for you!” wrote It can also analyse your messages! It's really fun to get insights about who you talk to, and what you talk to people about.”
Mr Weinstein showed an example in which he had asked ChatGPT to write a poem and send it to a friend. But the company also appeared to suggest that it could be used for more normal interactions, too.
And you can edit messages before sending! pic.twitter.com/OPfTfUhXqX
OpenAI stressed that the feature had to be switched on explicitly, presumably to allay concerns about privacy and security. It also said that ChatGPT will always explicitly ask for permission before any specific message is sent – though that restriction can be switched off.
The update also brings another controversial change to ChatGPT in Europe. OpenAI announced recently that it would introduce a feature called “Computer History” that would let ChatGPT watch you as use your computer to help with tasks, and that is now available in Europe, Switzerland and the UK.
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