What is Claude Cowork by Anthropic?

Claude Cowork is a new feature from Anthropic that allows the AI assistant Claude to read, edit, and create files on a user's macOS computer.

Who can use Claude Cowork?

Currently, Claude Cowork is available as a research preview exclusively for Claude Max subscribers through the Claude macOS app.

What are the risks of using Claude Cowork?

Potential risks include Claude accidentally deleting local files if instructions are unclear and security concerns from prompt injection attacks.

Home / Technology / Claude Cowork: Your AI Assistant on macOS

Claude Cowork: Your AI Assistant on macOS

13 Jan

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Summary

Claude Cowork allows AI to read, edit, and create files on your Mac.
It's a research preview for Claude Max subscribers via the macOS app.
Potential risks include accidental file deletion and prompt injection attacks.

Claude Cowork: Your AI Assistant on macOS

Anthropic has introduced Claude Cowork, a new feature designed to enhance the AI agent capabilities of its Claude chatbot. This tool, currently in a research preview phase, permits Claude to access, modify, and generate files within designated folders on a user's macOS device.

The feature aims to simplify tasks like file organization, data extraction from images, and report drafting. Users can grant Claude access to specific folders, enabling it to perform actions such as reordering downloads or creating expense spreadsheets. Claude provides ongoing updates, and users can integrate it with external services like Notion and PayPal.

Anthropic acknowledges the developmental stage of AI agents, cautioning users about potential risks. These include the possibility of Claude performing destructive actions if instructions are unclear, and security vulnerabilities arising from prompt injection attacks. The company emphasizes that ensuring the safety of AI agent actions remains a critical focus for industry-wide development.