OpenAI launches ChatGPT agents as Zapier adds governance controls
OpenAI introduced ChatGPT workspace agents powered by its latest models. These agents handle background tasks across Slack, Gmail, Google Drive, calendars, and similar tools for business and education users. They remain in research preview and stay free until May 6 2026, after which usage shifts to a credit system. Zapier released governance features for its agents and automations. The tools add action restrictions, team workspaces, and audit trails while meeting SOC 2, GDPR, and CCPA requirements. Zapier also created a single connection that lets ChatGPT agents reach its network of more than 9,000 applications. ChatGPT agents stay limited to OpenAI models and a handful of connectors. Zapier supports multiple models and scales through chained automations.
Mid-career professionals previously stitched together AI help through repeated prompt tweaks and fragile links that offered no oversight and often failed on complex sequences. Data handling depended on personal caution, and any attempt to cover more than a few tools required constant fixes or junior assistance. The new controls and connections change the baseline. Teams can now run agents across many systems with enforced limits and records, turning scattered experiments into consistent processes that preserve judgment instead of demanding endless human checks.
Analysis
OpenAI agents stay too narrow and exposed for anything beyond simple tasks, so treat Zapier's governance layer as the required foundation rather than an optional upgrade. Enable action restrictions and audit trails on your main Zaps today before linking any ChatGPT agents.
Citation
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