OpenAI has launched a new safety feature for ChatGPT aimed at protecting young users. The system can predict a user’s age and limit access to sensitive content if the account appears to belong to a minor.
The company announced the feature as part of its ongoing efforts to make ChatGPT safer for children and teenagers. Unlike traditional methods that rely on self-reported ages, this system uses AI to estimate age based on account activity and behavioral signals.
According to OpenAI, the algorithm examines factors such as the user’s stated age, how long the account has been active, and typical usage times. If the system predicts the account belongs to someone under 18, ChatGPT automatically applies content filters. These filters restrict discussions about sexual topics, violence, and other potentially harmful subjects.
OpenAI highlighted that the age prediction feature aims to prevent underage users from accessing sensitive content while still allowing adults full access. In cases where adults are mistakenly flagged as minors, they can verify their age using a selfie submitted to OpenAI’s identity verification partner, Persona.
The company’s move comes amid growing concerns over ChatGPT’s impact on children. Critics have raised alarms about potential mental health risks and inappropriate content exposure. Last year, OpenAI patched a bug that allowed erotic content to appear for users under 18. Several reports linked the misuse of AI chatbots to emotional distress among teenagers.
Experts say the new age prediction feature is a step forward in addressing these issues. While no system is perfect, applying automated age checks can help reduce the risk of minors encountering harmful content on ChatGPT.
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OpenAI plans to monitor the effectiveness of the system and refine it over time. The company emphasized that safety features like this are part of a broader effort to make AI more responsible and user-friendly, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and teenagers.
