Atlas is a new OpenAI web browser similar to Chrome or Safari; however, all of the searches are powered or aided by AI.
The AI browser has a unique ability where ChatGPT scans the screen at all times to assist in daily tasks and work. This can be useful to many, as they do not need to go to a specific website to get help, as the AI can do the work directly. The agent mode allows the AI to carry out tasks in the browser window for the user directly.
The ability to see and scan the screens of users is a major privacy concern, as the AI can scan sensitive information and store it in its database. This leads to a large amount of sensitive information spreading through the database. “I have heard about Atlas, and I definitely do not want it stalking my personal information as that is extremely unethical. The lack of governmental supervision on this is concerning,” said senior Ammar Bazaraa. Many people are worried the information gathered from Atlas will be used by companies and not stored safely.
Another concern with the AI-powered web browser is surveillance. With an AI scanning the user’s screen, anything searched by the user will be tracked, and the AI can flag and send certain private information to third parties.
The AI does not operate entirely like a normal search engine. Instead of someone asking a singular question and getting a singular response, the AI can ask follow-up questions to clarify information. This can be a useful feature to get more precise information. However, that can allow the AI to adapt to the personalities of its users and use well-established search algorithms to target users’ vulnerabilities.
The vulnerabilities that Atlas can induce is an extreme concern for its users. “Although it may have its uses, the conversational tone of it makes it dangerous for users as they can get trapped into accidentally revealing sensitive information,” said Bazaraa. Many users may never want to use Atlas due to these dangers.
The AI abilities of Atlas are very limited as of right now which is why many find it significantly worse than just using google or safari, however, it can still be useful for some specific scenarios. “AI tools such as Atlas could have a great impact on fields such as computer science where people will not need to switch tabs for coding assistance,” said senior Grant Cabay. This niche use is practically the only reason people use Atlas currently.
Although Atlas may have a few niche uses, the privacy concerns that come with it make it an overall negative for society. As AI develops over time Atlas may become everyone’s main browser but for now that is not the case.
