OpenAI's Adult Mode Allows Erotic Chat but Bars Explicit Media Generation
Key Points
- OpenAI's upcoming adult mode lets users have lewd text conversations but blocks explicit images, audio, and video.
- The feature was initially slated for early 2026 but has been delayed to prioritize other work.
- A council of eight experts warned the mode could cause unhealthy emotional dependence and be accessed by minors.
- One council member highlighted the risk of the chatbot becoming a "sexy suicide coach" for vulnerable users.
- OpenAI's age‑verification system misidentified underage users as adults about 12 percent of the time.
- With around 100 million teen users weekly, the error could affect millions of minors.
- OpenAI says its prediction algorithm meets industry standards, acknowledging no system is completely foolproof.
OpenAI is preparing an "adult mode" for ChatGPT that will let users engage in lewd conversations while prohibiting the generation of explicit images, audio, or video. The feature, initially slated for early 2026, has been delayed as the company focuses on higher‑priority work. A council of eight researchers warned that AI‑generated erotica could foster unhealthy emotional dependence and be accessed by underage users. OpenAI acknowledged that its age‑verification system misidentified underage users as adults about 12 percent of the time, but said its prediction algorithm meets industry standards.
Overview of OpenAI's Planned Adult Mode
OpenAI is developing an "adult mode" for its ChatGPT chatbot that will enable users to have lewd conversations. The company clarified that this mode will not allow the generation of explicit images, audio, or video, describing it as capable of producing "smut" rather than pornography.
Timeline and Delays
The feature was originally planned for release at the start of 2026. Since that time, OpenAI has postponed the rollout several times, most recently delaying it to focus on work that is a higher priority for more users.
Council Concerns and Risks
A council of eight researchers and experts, assembled to advise on wellbeing and AI, expressed unanimous concerns. They warned that AI‑generated erotica could lead to unhealthy emotional dependence on ChatGPT and that underage users would likely find ways to access the feature. One council member cited cases where individuals developed suicidal thoughts after becoming attached to the chatbot, describing a potential risk of creating a "sexy suicide coach."
Age‑Verification Challenges
OpenAI’s age‑verification technology has misidentified underage users as adults about 12 percent of the time. With roughly 100 million teens using ChatGPT each week, this error rate could translate to millions of minors accessing erotic chats. OpenAI responded that its prediction algorithm performs to industry standards, acknowledging that no system can be completely foolproof.
Company Position
OpenAI maintains that the adult mode will treat adult users as adults, aligning with earlier statements from CEO Sam Altman about offering erotica while ensuring safety measures. The company emphasizes that the feature will not produce explicit visual or audio content, focusing instead on textual interactions.