OpenAI has introduced an exciting new feature for ChatGPT called ChatGPT Agent. This update empowers the chatbot to independently undertake a range of complex online tasks, such as running errands or creating presentation slides.
The announcement was the centrepiece of OpenAI’s recent event, and it marks a significant stride in productive automation and AI assistants.
For those new to OpenAI, the company is renowned for its advancements in artificial intelligence.
ChatGPT, one of their flagship projects, is a sophisticated language model that has continually evolved. It has progressed from a simple text-generating tool to an AI capable of handling more nuanced interactions and now, with the launch of ChatGPT Agent, it is stepping into more practical applications.
The introduction of ChatGPT Agent also signals OpenAI’s strategic move to compete more directly with digital assistant platforms from tech giants like Google and Microsoft.
By integrating capabilities such as file handling, browser-based research, and automated task completion, ChatGPT Agent positions itself as a viable alternative for both enterprise workflows and personal productivity. This evolution caters to users seeking a more autonomous assistant that can not only understand instructions but also act on them within defined parameters.
Crucially, this development raises pertinent questions around trust, security, and user control. For ChatGPT Agent to handle tasks like online shopping or scheduling, it must be granted access to sensitive data and digital identities.
OpenAI has addressed some of these concerns by incorporating user-approved actions and session-level permissions, but as with any system that performs actions on a user’s behalf, ongoing scrutiny and transparent governance will be essential. These discussions are likely to shape not only the future of ChatGPT Agent but also broader expectations for agentic AI tools.
Key Insights and Industry Data
- Autonomous Action:
ChatGPT Agent enables the AI to independently run browser-based research, book appointments, shop online, create content, and interface with popular apps, all with user authorisation. - Enhanced Productivity:
In pilot testing, users completed up to 45% more online administrative tasks when using ChatGPT Agent versus earlier versions of ChatGPT (Efficiency AI, 2025). - AI Assistant Market Growth:
The global digital assistant market—including AI agents—is projected to exceed $75 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of over 20% as businesses and consumers increasingly adopt these tools (MarketsandMarkets, 2025). - Enterprise Adoption:
Over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are piloting or deploying AI-powered agent technology within operations, including customer service, IT support, and HR administration by mid-2025 (Statista, 2025). - Security and Trust:
82% of surveyed tech professionals cite user-approved permissions and session-level access as “critical” for comfortable adoption of agentic AI. OpenAI’s design includes granular permission prompts and activity logs to support enterprise compliance needs.