1 week ago
ChatGPT Gains Mac Texting Access, Raising Privacy Concerns
ChatGPT can now work with the Messages app on a Mac.
With permission, it can read old conversations and find information in them.
It can also write and send messages for the user.
This is different from simply suggesting a message.
OpenAI says the tool only works after the user agrees.
It also says the work happens on the Mac instead of being sent elsewhere for processing.
Users must turn on several powerful Mac permissions before it works.
Some privacy observers and Apple may be concerned because messages can contain very personal information.
OpenAI introduced a Mac plug-in that lets ChatGPT read, compose, send, search, and summarize messages in Apple’s Messages app.
The feature requires explicit user approval and runs locally on the Mac using macOS tools including AppleScript and Accessibility features.
Users must grant Full Disk Access, contact-name access, and automation permissions through macOS System Settings.
OpenAI says the feature does not create a searchable index of a user’s complete message archive or send content through a separate storage layer.
The rollout may concern Apple and privacy watchdogs, especially amid an existing lawsuit between Apple and OpenAI over unreleased-product information.
- Who
- OpenAI introduced the feature for ChatGPT users on Mac; Apple and privacy watchdogs may be affected or concerned.
- What
- A ChatGPT plug-in can access Apple’s Messages app to read, search, summarize, compose, and send texts.
- Where
- On a user’s Mac, through Apple’s Messages app and macOS system permissions.
- When
- The feature was introduced during an already tense relationship between Apple and OpenAI; the article does not provide a specific launch date.
- Why
- To expand ChatGPT’s ability to perform actions and retrieve information from users’ conversations, while OpenAI says access is controlled by consent and local processing.
OpenAI’s assurances
Privacy concerns
Message access
OpenAI’s assurances
OpenAI says access happens only with clear user consent and that the feature does not create a searchable index of the full message archive.
Privacy concerns
The tool can still search existing conversations and retrieve information from message history, giving a third-party AI system broad access to personal communications.
Data handling
OpenAI’s assurances
OpenAI says processing occurs locally on the Mac through built-in macOS capabilities rather than through a separate storage or indexing layer.
Privacy concerns
Apple has emphasized privacy and closely guarded message content, so a third-party tool with this level of access could attract scrutiny from Apple and privacy watchdogs.
User control
OpenAI’s assurances
Users see a permission screen and must manually enable multiple macOS permissions before the integration can operate.
Privacy concerns
Requiring Full Disk Access and automation permissions creates a powerful setup that users may need to understand carefully before approving.
Key facts
- Feature
- ChatGPT can interact directly with Messages on Mac.
- Capabilities
- Reading, searching, summarizing, composing, and sending messages.
- User consent
- The feature requires explicit approval before accessing message history.
- Processing
- OpenAI says the feature runs locally on the Mac.
- Required permissions
- Full Disk Access, contact-name access, and automation permissions must be enabled.
- Mac technologies
- The integration uses AppleScript and Accessibility features.
- Related dispute
- Apple has sued OpenAI, alleging misuse of information connected to unreleased Apple products.
Sources
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