Opera introduces AI-based agentic browsing at MWC 2025, redefining web navigation

Opera Limited [NASDAQ: OPRA] has unveiled Browser Operator, an AI-powered browsing assistant, at Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC 2025) in Barcelona. This innovation marks a fundamental shift in how users interact with the internet, as Opera becomes the first major browser to integrate AI-based agentic browsing. The feature enables users to delegate web tasks to artificial intelligence, streamlining online experiences and allowing them to focus on more meaningful activities.

With this development, Opera is challenging the conventional role of web browsers, transforming them from passive gateways into interactive digital assistants capable of executing commands and automating tasks. By embedding AI directly into the browsing experience, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation web navigation.

What Is AI-Based Agentic Browsing, and How Does It Work?

AI-based agentic browsing is an advanced approach to internet navigation that enables a browser to perform tasks autonomously based on user instructions. Unlike traditional search engines that require manual input and navigation, Opera’s Browser Operator feature processes natural language commands to carry out actions within the browser environment.

Instead of spending time manually visiting websites, filling out forms, or searching for products, users can simply issue a command in plain language. For example, requesting the purchase of ten pairs of Nike tennis socks in size 12 will prompt the Browser Operator to locate the product, compare options, and complete the transaction on behalf of the user. This eliminates the need for repetitive online actions, making web interactions significantly more efficient.

How Does Browser Operator Ensure User Control and Privacy?

One of the biggest challenges with AI-driven automation is maintaining user privacy and control. Unlike cloud-dependent AI tools that process data remotely, Opera’s Browser Operator is designed to function entirely within the browser, ensuring that user data remains on the local device.

By integrating AI directly into the browser’s core architecture, Opera eliminates the need for external virtual machines or cloud-based AI processing, reducing the risk of data leaks or third-party tracking. The feature does not rely on session recordings, video captures, or external monitoring, ensuring that user activities remain private.

While the Browser Operator feature automates browsing tasks, it maintains full transparency by allowing users to monitor progress in real time. Users can intervene, pause, or cancel an operation at any stage, ensuring that they retain full decision-making authority over the browsing process.

Why Is Opera Leading the Push for AI-Driven Browsing?

Opera has a history of pioneering browser innovations, often introducing features that later become industry standards. The company was the first to implement tabbed browsing, integrated search within the address bar, and offer built-in VPN functionality. More recently, Opera has focused on AI-powered enhancements, including local language models (LLMs), AI-driven image generation, and AI tab commands.

In 2024, Opera launched the AI Feature Drops program, an initiative aimed at rolling out experimental AI capabilities to select users before integrating them into the mainstream browser. The unveiling of Browser Operator at MWC 2025 represents the latest step in this AI-driven roadmap, demonstrating Opera’s commitment to redefining how users interact with the web.

By shifting from passive browsing to active assistance, Opera is establishing itself as a leader in AI-based agentic browsing, an area that is expected to play a significant role in the future of digital interactions.

How Will Browser Operator Impact Everyday Web Usage?

The introduction of AI-based agentic browsing could fundamentally reshape how people engage with the internet. Instead of spending time manually completing online tasks, users can delegate routine actions to an AI assistant, freeing up time for higher-value activities.

For e-commerce, this means an AI agent could automate product searches, price comparisons, and purchases, reducing the friction associated with online shopping. For research purposes, it could compile and summarize information from multiple sources, streamlining workflows for professionals and students.

This shift also aligns with broader trends in AI-driven automation, where digital tools increasingly handle repetitive and time-consuming online interactions. As AI technologies evolve, agentic browsing could become an essential feature for enhanced productivity and efficiency.

When Will Browser Operator Be Available?

Opera has launched Browser Operator as a preview feature at MWC 2025, allowing select users to test its capabilities before a broader rollout. The company plans to introduce the AI-powered browsing assistant as part of its AI Feature Drops program, gradually expanding access to a wider user base in the near future.

With increasing interest in AI-driven automation, the release of Browser Operator positions Opera at the cutting edge of intelligent browsing solutions, offering a glimpse into the future of web navigation.