OpenAI Quietly Deploys Cross-Site Tracking Cookie as Altman Touts AI Safety

OpenAI has disclosed that it uses a persistent tracking cookie called __obi to monitor user browsing activity across third-party websites, collecting sensitive personal data including email addresses, phone numbers, location data, and form field contents. The discovery, made public on September 20-21 by independent researcher Buchodi of Threat Intel, reveals a stark contrast with CEO Sam Altman's public safety messaging from just days earlier, when he told industry leaders that OpenAI would delay its IPO and prioritize responsible AI development.