2025 is quickly becoming the “year of the AI agent,” with big tech companies like Salesforce, Microsoft, and Anthropic getting involved. OpenAI Launch an innovative agent AI solution. OpenAI announced on January 23, 2025 operatora research preview AI agent designed to streamline web-based tasks for users.
What is an operator?
Operators act as digital assistants and can perform various tasks such as filling out forms, ordering products, making reservations, ordering groceries, and even creating memes. Unlike traditional assistants, the Operator does not rely on predefined integrations and instead opens a web browser and interacts with it just like a human user would.
among them blog postOpenAI described Operator as a tool for: “It opens up new opportunities for your business while saving you time in your daily tasks.” CEO Sam Altman further emphasized during the livestream demo: “Operators can use the web just like you.”
Also Read: Revolution in Communication: Exploring AI Chatbot Tools
How OpenAI Operator works
Operator leverages OpenAI’s proprietary technology Computer Usage Agent (CUA)a model partially equipped with GPT-4o. This cutting-edge technology gives operators the flexibility to interact with digital interfaces without relying on OS or web-specific APIs.
To get started, just describe the task you want to perform and the operator will take care of the rest. Users can choose to take over control of a remote browser at any time, and operators are trained to proactively ask users to take over for tasks that require logins, payment details, or when resolving CAPTCHAs. . Users can personalize Operator’s workflow by adding custom instructions to all sites or specific sites, such as configuring airline settings on Booking.com.
OpenAI outlined these features and the system’s safety protocols on the system card, emphasizing that the Operator is still in development. The company says, “Operators can ‘view’ the browser (through screenshots) and ‘interact’ (with all mouse and keyboard actions allowed), allowing them to take action on the web without the need for custom API integration. You will be able to run
If an Operator encounters a challenge or makes a mistake, it can leverage reasoning capabilities to self-correct. If you get stuck and need help, simply hand control back to the user, ensuring a smooth and collaborative experience. ”
Currently, AI struggles with complex interfaces such as creating slideshows and managing detailed calendar events.
availability
Operator is initially available to professional users in the United States at the following URL: Operator.chatgpt.com(Opens in new window) the price is $200 per month. OpenAI says this limited rollout will help it collect feedback and improve the product for broader use.
The company will gradually expand access to Plus, Team, and Enterprise subscribers, and eventually expand Operator functionality. Chat GPT.
Operator brings the convenience of AI to your fingertips. Here’s what you can do:
- It scans and interprets input information, such as a photo of a handwritten grocery list, and places orders through platforms like Instacart.
- It suggests prompts for common tasks, like finding concert tickets or making happy hour restaurant reservations for a group.
Also read: OpenAI launches AI-powered search engine SearchGPT
OpenAI operator safety and privacy
Operator includes several features to maintain user trust and security.
- Takeover mode: Users must manually enter sensitive information such as login credentials and payment details.
- Confirmation request: Operators will ask for your authorization before confirming your reservation or completing your purchase.
- Task limits and monitoring mode: Operators are trained to deny certain sensitive tasks, such as banking transactions or those that require high-stakes decisions, such as deciding on a job application. Particularly sensitive sites, such as email or financial services, require operators to closely supervise their operations so that users can directly spot potential mistakes.
We have also built defenses against hostile websites that may try to mislead operators through hidden prompts, malicious code, or phishing attempts. by Careful navigation, monitoring, and discovery pipelines.
strategic partnership
OpenAI partners with major brands, including companies like DoorDash, Instacart, OpenTable, Priceline, StubHub, Thumbtack, and Uber, to ensure Operators address real-world needs while respecting established norms. We are cooperating with them.” However, Operator is still versatile and is not limited to these apps, providing users with a wide range of flexibility.
For 2025, Operator sets the stage for how AI agents will redefine how we navigate the digital world.
