How to control Google Chrome with OpenAI's Codex: Check step-by-step guide

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OpenAI has launched a new Codex extension for Chrome allows users to control the browser via the AI assistant. Codex can be used to accessing tasks like emails and updating records.

After building a rival AI browser to take on Google Chrome, OpenAI has now added the ability for users to control the popular browser using its Codex AI coding assistant. This is possible with the new Codex assistant extension which OpenAI has launched for Chrome that allows users to directly control the browser and interact with websites using a user's logged in account.

The new feature essentially gives Codex access to Chrome for browser-based tasks like reading emails, updating Salesforce records, interacting with LinkedIn or accessing internal company tools.

How to set up Codex Chrome extension

To get started, you will first need to first install the Chrome plugin from inside Codex.

Open the Codex App on your Windows or macOS device

Navigate to the “Plugins” section. From there, add the Chrome plugin and follow the setup instructions to install or connect the Chrome extension

During the setup, Chrome will ask you to approve a number of permissions required for browser automation.

Once setup is complete, you will need to open Chrome and confirm that the Codex extension shows a “Connected” status.

If you also need Codex to upload local files to websites, you can navigate to Manage Extensions> Codex > Details and turn on "Allow access to file URLs".

After the connection is done, Codex will automatically begin suggesting use of Chrome whenever a task requires access to a logged-in website. Users can also manually invoke the feature through prompts like:“@Chrome open Salesforce and update the account from these call notes.”

Another neat feature that OpenAI has added is that Codex tasks are grouped into Chrome tab groups, this means that all your tasks related to the AI assistant will be organized.

What permissions does the Codex extension require?

OpenAI has also detailed the permissions its new Codex extension requires in order to operate Chrome. Here are all the permissions required by Codex:

Reading and changing data across websites

Accessing browsing history

Managing downloads

Reading bookmarks

Accessing tab groups

Displaying notifications

Communicating with native applications

“These Chrome permissions make the extension capable of operating browser workflows. Codex still uses its own confirmations, settings, allowlists, and blocklists before using websites or browser history during a task.” OpenAI said in its blogpsot

Is it safe to use Codex extension on chrome?

OpenAI says it does not store a separate record of your Chrome activity from the extension. However, information can still become part of Codex’s context if the AI reads page text, captures screenshots or generates summaries during a task.

The comapny says all standard ChatGPT and Codex data controls apply to the extension data as well.

“Avoid sending secrets or highly sensitive data through browser tasks unless they’re required and you are present to review each prompt.” OpenAI warns in its blogpost

About the Author

Aman Gupta

Aman Gupta is a Digital Content Producer at LiveMint with over 3.5 years of experience covering the technology landscape. He specializes in artificial intelligence and consumer technology, reporting on everything from the ethical debates around AI models to shifts in the smartphone market. <br> His reporting is grounded in first-hand testing, independent analysis, and a focus on how technology impacts everyday users. He holds a PG Diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi (Class of 2022). <br> Outside the newsroom, he spends his time reading biographies, hunting for the perfect coffee beans, or planning his next trip. <br><br> You can find Aman on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aman-gupta-894180214">LinkedIn</a> and on X at <a href="https://x.com/nobugsfound">@nobugsfound</a>, or reach him via email at <a href="aman.gupta@htdigital.in">aman.gupta@htdigital.in</a>.

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