Anthropic Integrates and Enables by Default Memory for Claude Chat and Cowork

Anthropic has integrated the memory systems of Claude Chat and Cowork, allowing Claude to start with information it already knows regardless of where the user is working. This feature is enabled by default on web, desktop, and mobile for consumer users on Free, Pro, and Max plans.

Changes to Real-Time Memory Recording

Previously, content was summarized and saved after a conversation ended, but now topics are added to memory during the conversation. For example, if a deadline is mentioned as having changed to September, this is immediately recognized in the next conversation without the user needing to instruct "remember this." This is a notable change in that it removes the opportunity for users to decide not to save content at the end of a conversation.

User Controls and Sensitive Information Handling

All information saved by Claude is displayed as files in the 'Topics' list within memory settings, and users can read, edit, or delete them. Edits are applied immediately everywhere. By default, sensitive topics such as health, race, religion, politics, and gender identity are not saved. Users can enable these switches, but even when enabled, certain information such as Social Security numbers, criminal records, and immigration status is never saved. Claude displays a notification to the user each time sensitive information is saved.

Scope and Limitations

This update does not apply to Claude Code and focuses on Cowork and Chat. Additionally, as Cowork is integrated into the Chrome extension, conversations in the browser side panel are also included in usage history.