OpenAI to allow adult content in ChatGPT starting December

OpenAI says it will begin allowing verified adult users to access erotica and other mature (18+) content in ChatGPT beginning in December, as it rolls out age‑gating and parental controls. CEO Sam Altman framed the change as part of a “treat adult users like adults” approach after months of tightening safety measures.

The company previously tightened ChatGPT’s responses to reduce harmful outcomes and to address mental‑health concerns. OpenAI added parental controls and automatic age detection features in September, and signaled during DevDay 2025 that support for mature experiences would arrive once appropriate verification and controls were in place.

• What’s changing: Verified adults will be allowed to access mature content (including erotica) through ChatGPT and compatible apps after age‑gating is fully deployed.
• Why now: OpenAI says stricter controls and age verification let it relax some content restrictions for adults while aiming to keep minors protected.
• Context & concerns: The move follows debates over AI’s influence on vulnerable users and safety incidents reported in the media.

Read the original coverage for more detail: Engadget: OpenAI will let adults use ChatGPT for erotica (Dec rollout).

OpenAI has also updated GPT behavior to reduce overly sycophantic replies and added in-app prompts encouraging users to take breaks — steps the company says are meant to mitigate potential mental‑health harms while expanding permitted content for adults.

Discussion: Do you think age verification is enough to responsibly allow adult content in AI chatbots? Share your thoughts below.