OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, announced that the platform will introduce mature content for adult users of ChatGPT who verify their age, starting in December. Altman emphasized the importance of treating adult users with respect and allowing access to content like erotica for verified adults. OpenAI had initially implemented strict restrictions on ChatGPT to prioritize mental health considerations, which had the unintended effect of limiting the chatbot’s usefulness and enjoyment for many users without mental health issues.
Altman mentioned that OpenAI has developed new tools to address mental health concerns effectively, enabling the platform to relax restrictions in most cases. In the near future, OpenAI plans to launch an updated version of ChatGPT that will offer users more control over the chatbot’s tone and personality. Users will be able to customize their interactions with ChatGPT to make it more human-like, expressive with emojis, or friendly, according to Altman.
In a related development, Meta recently announced enhanced restrictions for Instagram users under 18, filtering out content deemed more mature than what is typically seen in a PG-13 movie. OpenAI has also introduced parental controls for ChatGPT, following a lawsuit related to the tragic death of a teenager who had engaged with the chatbot. These controls aim to prevent inappropriate conversations, such as those involving flirting, suicide, or self-harm, with individuals under 18. Additionally, OpenAI is working on an age-prediction system to estimate users’ ages based on their interactions with ChatGPT and impose specific restrictions on those believed to be under 18.
