AI

OpenAI Extends Deep Research With MCP and Trusted-Site Controls

OpenAI updated deep research so users can connect apps through MCP, restrict web searches to trusted sources and track progress in real time.

Cedar S. Insights Editorial Desk

10 February 20265 min read

Illustrative image. Cedar S. Insights uses editorial stock photography; images do not depict specific events described in articles.

OpenAI updated deep research on 10 February with features aimed at making long-form AI research more controllable in professional settings.

The update lets users connect deep research to apps through MCP and restrict web searches to trusted sites, so the system can focus on authenticated or institutionally approved sources.

OpenAI also says the experience now offers better real-time progress tracking and interruption, allowing users to refine a task with follow-up prompts or additional sources while research is underway.

Sourcing note: Feature descriptions come from OpenAI. This article treats the release as a workflow-control update, not an independent evaluation of research accuracy.

Why It Matters

Research agents are useful only if users can constrain where evidence comes from and inspect how work is progressing. Trusted-site controls and app connections push deep research closer to enterprise knowledge work, where provenance and permissions matter.

Our sourcing: Cedar S. Insights provides source-led editorial analysis. Reported company, institutional and regulatory claims are attributed to their original sources unless stated otherwise.

Corrections: If a material factual error is identified, Cedar S. Insights will update the relevant article and preserve the distinction between the corrected statement and supporting evidence.

Topics

OpenAIDeep ResearchMCPEnterprise AISource Control