2025 is rapidly becoming the “Year of the AI Agent,” with leading tech companies like Salesforce, Microsoft, Anthropic, and now OpenAI launching innovative agentic AI solutions. On January 23, 2025 OpenAI has unveiled Operator, a research-preview AI agent designed to streamline web-based tasks for users.

What is Operator?

Operator acts as a digital assistant, capable of performing various tasks such as filling out forms, ordering products, making reservations, ordering groceries, and even creating memes. Unlike traditional assistants, Operator doesn’t rely on predefined integrations—it operates by opening a web browser and interacting with it just like a human user.

In its blog post, OpenAI described Operator as a tool to “save time on everyday tasks while unlocking new opportunities for businesses.” CEO Sam Altman further emphasized during a livestream demo, “Operator can use the web just like you do.”

Also Read: Revolutionizing Communication: Exploring AI Chatbot Tools

How OpenAI Operator works

Operator leverages OpenAI’s proprietary Computer-Using Agent (CUA), a model partly powered by GPT-4o. This cutting-edge technology allows Operator to navigate digital interfaces flexibly, without relying on OS- or web-specific APIs.

To get started, simply describe the task you’d like done and Operator can handle the rest. Users can choose to take over control of the remote browser at any point, and Operator is trained to proactively ask the user to take over for tasks that require login, payment details, or when solving CAPTCHAs. Users can personalize their workflows in Operator by adding custom instructions, either for all sites or for specific ones, such as setting preferences for airlines on Booking.com.

OpenAI has outlined these capabilities and the system’s safety protocols in a System Card, emphasizing that Operator is still in development. The company says “The Operator can “see” (through screenshots) and “interact” (using all the actions a mouse and keyboard allow) with a browser, enabling it to take action on the web without requiring custom API integrations.

If it encounters challenges or makes mistakes, Operator can leverage its reasoning capabilities to self-correct. When it gets stuck and needs assistance, it simply hands control back to the user, ensuring a smooth and collaborative experience.”

 Currently, the AI struggles with complex interfaces like creating slideshows or managing detailed calendar events.

Availability

Operator is initially available to pro users in the U.S. at operator.chatgpt.com⁠(opens in a new window) , priced at $200/month. OpenAI says this limited rollout helps them gather feedback and refine the product for broader use.

The company plans to gradually expand access to Plus, Team, and Enterprise subscribers and eventually integrate Operator’s capabilities into ChatGPT.

Operator brings AI convenience to your fingertips. Here’s what it can do:

• Scan and interpret inputs, such as a photo of a handwritten grocery list, and place orders via platforms like Instacart.
• Suggest prompts for common tasks, such as finding concert tickets or booking a happy-hour restaurant for a group and much more.

Also Read: OpenAI Announces SearchGPT, its AI-powered Search Engine

OpenAI Operator’s Safety and Privacy

Operator includes several features to maintain user trust and security:

• Takeover Mode: Users must manually input sensitive information, such as login credentials or payment details.
• Confirmation Requests: Before confirming reservations or completing purchases, Operator seeks user approval.
• Task limitations and Watch mode: Operator is trained to decline certain sensitive tasks, such as banking transactions or those requiring high-stakes decisions, like making a decision on a job application. On particularly sensitive sites, such as email or financial services, Operator requires close supervision of its actions, allowing users to directly catch any potential mistakes.

They also built defenses against adversarial websites that may try to mislead Operator through hidden prompts, malicious code, or phishing attempts by Cautious navigation, Monitoring, Detection pipelines.

Strategic Partnerships

OpenAI has partnered with leading brands, the company states “we’re collaborating with companies like DoorDash, Instacart, OpenTable, Priceline, StubHub, Thumbtack, Uber, and others to ensure Operator addresses real-world needs while respecting established norms”.  However, Operator remains versatile and isn’t restricted to these apps, offering users broader flexibility.

As we move further into 2025, Operator sets the stage for how AI agents will redefine how we navigate the digital world.