ChatGPT Agent Mode is Here
In July 2025, OpenAI quietly released Agent mode for ChatGPT. The update turns the large language model from a talkative consultant into a doer. When a user invokes /agent, ChatGPT spins up a virtual computer with its own browser, file system and terminal. The agent can click through websites, fill out forms, run Python scripts and even connect to services like Gmail or GitHub via connectors.
This isn’t just about giving instructions; you can ask it to research competitors and compile a spreadsheet or to plan a trip within a budget and it will navigate the web, extract information and produce the deliverable. A live feed shows every step, and you can pause or take over at any time.
An AI agent is goal-directed, tool-using, reasoning-capable software that can sense, plan, act, and learn in a dynamic environment to carry out tasks that would typically require human decision-making.
1. Receive Input (e.g., "Schedule a meeting with Alex when I’m free in the next week")
2. Understand Goal (natural language processing)
3. Plan (check calendar availability, draft an email)
4. Act (send email via Gmail API, add event to calendar)
5. Observe Outcome (verify response or success)
6. Repeat or adjust if needed
Key Capabilities in Agents
Memory
AI agents retain context or data across steps (short-term or long-term).
Multi-Step Planning
AI Agents are capable of chaining actions to reach a goal (e.g., find a product → compare prices → order item). This involves reflection, self-critique, chain of thoughts, and subgoal decomposition.
Tool Use
AI agents can call APIs, query databases, write and run code, interact with web pages, etc. Tools include e-mail programs, calendars, accounting software, a CRM database, etc.
Autonomous Action
Some agents act without user prompts; others await approval at each step.
In short, an AI Agent goes beyond a standard LLM like ChatGPT4. The AI Agent will take a general instruction and decide an optimal approach to delivering a solution to you. Of course, the more context you put in the prompt, the more effectively the Agent will behave.
AI Agent Capabilities. © 1 Global Data Protection Advisors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Why autonomy raises eyebrows
Agent mode collapses several OpenAI tools, including Operator (web browsing), Deep Research, a code interpreter and connectors, into one autonomous workflow. This makes it far more convenient, but it also enlarges the attack surface.
To do its job the agent inherits the same permissions as the user. Noma Security notes that there is no differential access control between the agent and user, and log files cannot tell who clicked what. If the agent accidentally deletes files or sends private emails, there is no technical distinction from a human action.
Prompt Injection Attacks
A major class of threat is prompt injection. OpenAI’s system card warns that attackers can hide instructions in web content that override the agent’s mission and exfiltrate data from connectors. Because the agent simultaneously uses multiple tools, the impact of such attacks is potentially higher than with earlier features.
The same document notes that the agent can make simple mistakes; for example, auto‑filling a form with personal details or buying the wrong item.
And beyond malicious code, EM360 reports that social‑engineering attacks and user ignorance could lead to over‑permissioned access. Even OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman describes Agent mode as experimental, advising users to limit access and avoid high‑stakes use cases.
OpenAI has layered multiple safeguards into Agent mode:
Models are fine‑tuned to ignore irrelevant or malicious instructions. Early tests show good resistance to synthetic prompt‑injection attempts
Automated systems detect and block patterns associated with injection attacks and can be updated quickly
Before the agent completes a purchase, sends an email or edits a file, it asks for user confirmation. Tests indicate it does this consistently.
When logged into sensitive sites such as email or banking, the agent requires continuous supervision and pauses if you become inactive. EM360 notes that you can also stop the agent and take manual control at any time.
Requests from the agent’s terminal are restricted to safe operations and its memory feature is disabled to prevent data exfiltration
These safeguards reduce risk but do not eliminate it. Some connectors, like Google Drive, only offer full read/write permissions. Noma Security recommends that organizations govern which connectors are allowed, monitor usage via compliance APIs and enforce custom instructions such as “never delete data”.
For individual users, the principle of least privilege is the simplest defense. Connect only what you need and log out of sensitive accounts when finished.
Agent mode is powerful, but you should begin with low‑risk tasks that do not involve sensitive credentials or irreversible actions. Examples include:
Ask the agent to collect pricing and feature information on a handful of competitors and compile it into a spreadsheet. This utilises browsing and data extraction without connecting personal accounts.
Instruct it to find flight and hotel options within a budget; review its tables and confirm choices yourself.
Give it a topic and request a short presentation with charts and images. You can polish the slides after.
Supply a template and let the agent draft personalized messages; you review the messages and send them out.
Have the ChatGPT Agent standardize or summarize entries in a spreadsheet.
Review and revise language and verify citations. It worked really, really well by the way.
Such tasks demonstrate the agent’s ability to chain browsing, analysis and document creation while maintaining a human in the loop. Avoid, at least initially, tasks involving bank accounts, confidential corporate data or personal medical records.
ChatGPT Agent mode hints at the next phase of AI. By combining browsing, research, coding and integration inside a controlled sandbox, it can offload drudgery and accelerate everyday work.
At the same time, autonomy magnifies risks: the agent inherits your permissions, can be misled by malicious content and may make mistakes. OpenAI’s safeguards are necessary but not sufficient. Don’t put full faith in confirmation prompts, watch mode, and restrictions yet.
The best defence of personal and sensitive data is thoughtful use. Grant only minimal access, monitor actions and start with low‑stakes tasks. With that mindset, Agent mode can be a valuable assistant rather than an uncontrolled liability.
If your company is eager to navigate this rapidly evolving AI landscape, 1GDPA is here to help. Want to embrace the future, become more efficient, and scale for growth? We offer tailored services in AI governance, data protection, and strategic planning for small and medium-sized enterprises. Contact us today at info@1gdpa.com to discuss how we can support your AI readiness and compliance efforts.
Introducing ChatGPT agent: bridging research and action: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-agent/
ChatGPT’s new AI agent can browse the web and create PowerPoint slideshows; https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2025/07/chatgpts-new-ai-agent-can-browse-the-web-and-create-powerpoint-slideshows/#:~:text=The%20system%20uses%20a%20combination,apps%20like%20Gmail%20and%20GitHub
OpenAI ChatGPT Agent: A CISO’s guide to the security implications and how to mitigate them: https://noma.security/blog/open-ai-chatgpt-agent-a-cisos-guide/#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20OpenAI%20ChatGPT,agent
ChatGPT Agent System Card: https://cdn.openai.com/pdf/839e66fc-602c-48bf-81d3-b21eacc3459d/chatgpt_agent_system_card.pdf#:~:text=Prompt%20injections%20are%20a%20form,the%20user%20an%20incorrect%20answer
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent Rollout Triggers Urgent Privacy Warnings: https://em360tech.com/tech-articles/openais-chatgpt-agent-rollout-triggers-urgent-privacy-warnings#:~:text=Autonomous%20agents%2C%20by%20design%2C%20require,red%20flags%20for%20cybersecurity%20professionals
ChatGPT Agent Mode – Full Walkthrough: https://dev.to/proflead/chatgpt-agent-mode-full-walkthrough-1f0m#:~:text=5%20top%20real%E2%80%91world%20use%20cases,for%20ChatGPT%20Agent%20mode
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