OpenAI’s Operator: The $200/Month AI That Shops, Books, and Browses the Web for You

San Francisco, January 23, 2025 — OpenAI has launched Operator, a n AI agent designed to handle everyday web tasks—from booking travel to restocking your fridge—all by autonomously navigating the internet like a human. Announced today as a research preview for U.S. ChatGPT Pro users (subscription: $200/month), Operator marks a leap toward AI systems that act as proactive digital assistants, not just conversational chatbots.

What Can Operator Do?

Imagine asking an AI to "find and book the highest-rated Rome tour on TripAdvisor” and watching it scour the web, click through options, and secure your reservation. That’s Operator in action. Using its own browser, the AI can:

• Interact with websites: Type, click, scroll, and fill forms.
• Self-correct: Retry tasks if it hits roadblocks.
• Handle repetitive chores: Order groceries (via Instacart), reserve restaurants (OpenTable), create memes, or even design custom mugs on Etsy.

Powered by Computer-Using Agent (CUA), a new model blending GPT-4o’s visual prowess with advanced reasoning, Operator learns by interacting with graphical interfaces (GUIs) just like humans. Early benchmarks show it outperforms rivals on tasks like navigating e-commerce sites or travel platforms.

Safety First: How Operator Keeps Users in Control

Privacy and security are front and center. Operator includes:

• Takeover Mode: Pauses for user input during sensitive steps (logins, payments).
• Task Limitations: Blocks high-stakes actions (e.g., banking, job applications).
• Watch Mode: Requires supervision on sites like email or financial portals.
• One-Click Data Wipes: Users can delete browsing history or log out of all sites instantly.

"We’ve built layers of safeguards to prevent misuse,” says OpenAI, noting defenses against phishing sites and hidden prompts.

Real-World Impact: Partnerships & Public Sector Trials

Operator isn’t just for chores—it’s teaming up with major brands and cities:

• Retail & Services: Collaborators include DoorDash, Uber, Priceline, and StubHub.
• Public Sector: The City of Stockton, California, is piloting Operator to simplify enrollment for city programs.

"As we learn more about Operator during its research preview, we'll be better equipped to identify ways that AI can make civic engagement even easier for our residents,” says Jamil Niazi, Director of Information Technology at the City of Stockton.

Instacart’s Chief Product Officer, Daniel Danker, adds: "OpenAI's Operator is a technological breakthrough that makes processes like ordering groceries incredibly easy.”

Limitations and Future Plans

Operator is still learning. It struggles with complex tasks like calendar management or slide decks. But OpenAI is betting on user feedback to refine it. Upcoming updates include:

• CUA API Access: Letting developers build custom agents.
• Expanded Access: Rolling out to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise users later.
• Smarter Workflows: Tackling longer, multi-step tasks (e.g., planning entire vacations).

How to Try Operator

Available now at operator.chatgpt.com for U.S. ChatGPT Pro subscribers ($200/month), Operator is free to test during its research phase. OpenAI plans broader access once safety and scalability are proven.