OpenAI Plans to Relax ChatGPT Restrictions and Introduce Age‑Gated Adult Content
Key Points
- OpenAI will reduce mental‑health guardrails after mitigation efforts.
- New parental controls and a teen‑friendly ChatGPT version have been launched.
- An age‑gated system is planned to allow erotic content for verified adults.
- A forthcoming ChatGPT update will feature a more engaging, human‑like personality.
- Regulatory pressure is increasing, with new state laws and a federal FTC investigation.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company will ease some of the mental‑health guardrails on ChatGPT after recent mitigation efforts. The changes include parental controls, teen‑friendly versions, and an upcoming age‑gated system that could allow erotic content for verified adult users. Altman also hinted at a new version of the chatbot with a more engaging personality. These moves come amid increasing regulatory scrutiny, new state laws targeting AI companions, and a federal investigation into AI companies.
Policy Shift on Mental‑Health Guardrails
OpenAI is preparing to relax the stringent limitations that have governed ChatGPT’s handling of sensitive mental‑health topics. CEO Sam Altman communicated that the company has been able to mitigate serious mental‑health issues, prompting a reduction in certain restrictions.
Expanded Parental and Teen Controls
In parallel with the easing of guardrails, OpenAI has introduced new parental controls and a teen‑friendly version of the chatbot. The company also added break reminders that encourage users to pause their conversations intermittently.
Age‑Gated Adult Content
Altman disclosed that OpenAI intends to allow "erotica" for verified adult users through an age‑gating system that is slated for implementation in December. This aligns with the company’s principle of treating adult users as adults.
Upcoming ChatGPT Personality Update
The announcement also referenced a forthcoming version of ChatGPT that will feature a more human‑like personality, incorporating a style reminiscent of the GPT‑4o model. Users have previously expressed that the newer version felt impersonal compared with earlier iterations.
Regulatory Landscape
OpenAI’s policy adjustments occur against a backdrop of heightened regulatory attention. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new restrictions on AI companion chatbots into law, and the Federal Trade Commission launched an investigation into several AI firms, including OpenAI. These developments underscore the growing scrutiny of AI tools, especially concerning their impact on children and vulnerable populations.