Opera is pushing the boundaries of AI-powered web browsing. The Norwegian company has introduced its new Browser Operator at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, touting it as the world’s first “agentic” AI designed to execute complex tasks directly within the browser.
Unlike conventional AI assistants that merely provide search results or summarize web pages, Opera’s AI agent can shop for products, book flights, and even complete online checkouts independently—all while ensuring user privacy remains intact.
A Browser That Acts on Its Own
Opera’s AI Browser Operator isn’t just a chatbot. It’s designed to handle multi-step online tasks autonomously, responding to user requests in natural language. Need to book a hotel? The AI can search, compare options, and even make a reservation—all without leaving the browser’s core environment.
Opera claims the AI will not rely on external cloud services or virtual machines to process tasks. Instead, all operations will remain within the browser itself, a move intended to reinforce user privacy. Given rising concerns over data security in AI-driven services, this local processing approach could appeal to privacy-conscious users.
AI That Shops for You?
The capabilities of Opera’s Browser Operator extend beyond typical voice commands and web searches. The company states that its AI can perform tasks that would typically require manual input. This includes:
- Browsing e-commerce websites and comparing products
- Adding items to a cart and completing purchases
- Booking event tickets, flights, and hotels based on user preferences
- Handling multi-step web interactions efficiently
Such functionalities could redefine web browsing by reducing friction in digital transactions. While AI-powered shopping assistants exist, Opera’s built-in approach could be the first to integrate fully into a mainstream browser.
Privacy and User Control at the Core
Privacy concerns are often the elephant in the room when AI tools automate user interactions online. Opera emphasizes that its Browser Operator does not offload tasks to external AI servers, a distinction that sets it apart from many AI assistants, which rely on cloud-based processing.
The company assures users that they will maintain full control over AI-driven activities, with the ability to cancel or approve actions at any stage. This manual override feature may help alleviate fears of AI making unintended purchases or misinterpreting user commands.
From Feature Preview to Full Rollout
Currently, Opera’s Browser Operator is in the Feature Preview stage. The company has not disclosed a precise launch date but has hinted that it will be included in an upcoming AI Feature Drop. Given Opera’s focus on integrating AI across its platforms, the rollout could signal a broader shift toward AI-assisted browsing.
The move aligns with a growing trend in the tech industry, where AI-powered agents are increasingly being embedded into everyday software. Companies like Google and Microsoft are exploring similar AI-driven functionalities, but Opera’s approach—keeping the AI within the browser and prioritizing privacy—could differentiate it in a competitive market.
As AI continues to evolve, the implications for web browsing are profound. If Opera delivers on its promises, users may soon rely on their browsers not just for information but for direct action—automating everyday online tasks with minimal effort.
