OpenAI is developing an age‑gated ChatGPT experience that aims to identify teen users automatically and apply age‑appropriate policies. Key points:
- Age estimation & default gating: The system will attempt to estimate user age; if it cannot confidently determine age, it will default the user to the under‑18 experience.
- Content restrictions: Graphic sexual content will be blocked for teen users.
- Safety responses: In cases of acute distress, the system may contact law enforcement to help ensure user safety.
- Parental controls: Parents will be able to link accounts, set usage hours (curfews), and manage other settings. OpenAI said some parental controls are expected to arrive before the end of the month.
- Adult verification: Adults will be given a way to verify their age to restore full ChatGPT capabilities.
“We prioritize safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens; this is a new and powerful technology, and we believe minors need significant protection.” — Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO
OpenAI has published details on its site about age prediction and safety approaches. For the primary source, see: OpenAI: Building towards age prediction. Additional reporting is available (e.g., Axios).
Notes: OpenAI is positioning safety above teen privacy in these cases, and acknowledges trade-offs that not everyone will agree with. The company has not announced a full public rollout schedule for all features.
What do you think — do these measures strike the right balance between safety and privacy? Share your thoughts below.