New feature positions ChatGPT as an autonomous task operator across web and apps

OpenAI has introduced a major new capability in ChatGPT with the rollout of a general-purpose "Agent", designed to automate multi-step tasks across digital platforms. The feature, currently in early access, transforms the chatbot into a more autonomous operator—capable of browsing websites, filling out forms, and performing goal-driven workflows without human intervention at every step.

This release marks a notable shift in the evolution of AI assistants, moving beyond conversational interactions to task execution across apps, websites, and systems. OpenAI’s Agent is expected to accelerate the adoption of AI in productivity, research, and customer service.

What is the ChatGPT Agent?

Described as an “autonomous digital assistant,” the ChatGPT Agent can follow multi-step instructions such as booking a flight, summarizing lengthy documents across multiple sources, or navigating a government website to download a certificate. The Agent can handle complex workflows by integrating browsing capabilities, third-party tool access, and internal memory.

The Agent is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o model and operates within the ChatGPT interface. It can make decisions based on the user’s intent, interact with software environments, and execute commands—making it more functional than standard chat-based AI responses.

A key differentiator of this Agent is its goal-oriented behavior. Instead of requiring users to guide every step of a task, users can provide a single prompt like “Find the best hotels in Paris under $200 and book the top-rated one” or “Retrieve all public earnings reports for a company over the last three quarters,” and the Agent will perform the steps independently, using available tools.

Early Access and Use Cases

OpenAI is currently rolling out the Agent feature to a limited group of testers and enterprise customers, including developers and organizations that are part of its ChatGPT Plus and Team plans. The broader rollout is expected in phases, as the company collects feedback on performance, safety, and user experience.

Initial demonstrations have shown the Agent autonomously logging into accounts, navigating websites, comparing options, and making selections based on predefined criteria. These capabilities could have broad applications across sectors such as:

• Customer support automation
• Market and legal research
• Business operations (e.g., invoice processing, CRM updates)
• Personal productivity tasks (e.g., form submissions, scheduling)

Focus on Safety and Oversight

OpenAI has emphasized that safety remains central to the Agent’s rollout. The system includes oversight features that allow users to monitor steps, review what the agent is doing in real-time, and intervene if needed. Access to sensitive actions—such as payments, account access, or data manipulation—is limited, and user permissions must be granted explicitly.

The company’s long-term vision is to create a reliable “AI operator” that can handle everyday digital tasks, reducing friction for users and freeing them from repetitive actions.

“We’re starting with simple, structured workflows and gradually expanding what the agent can do,” an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement. “The goal is not just automation, but intelligent assistance that adapts to context.”

Agent vs Traditional Chatbots

While many consumer-facing platforms already use AI-driven chatbots for basic interactions, OpenAI’s Agent represents a leap in sophistication. Unlike traditional chatbots or even earlier versions of ChatGPT, this Agent has memory, autonomy, and operational functionality that mimics how a human assistant might navigate tasks.

This brings ChatGPT closer to the concept of a true digital co-pilot, capable of combining reasoning, execution, and continuous learning. Industry observers view this as a stepping stone toward AI agents embedded across operating systems, browsers, and enterprise platforms.

Industry Implications

OpenAI’s Agent enters a competitive landscape that includes Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, and Microsoft’s Copilot—all working toward similar autonomous agent goals. However, OpenAI’s ecosystem integration through ChatGPT gives it a head start with an existing user base and developer community.

As AI agents become more mainstream, questions around data privacy, reliability, and ethical automation will remain central. For now, OpenAI’s phased approach aims to ensure the technology is useful, safe, and responsive to user needs.