OpenAI to Allow Erotic Content on ChatGPT for Verified Adults

OpenAI to Allow Erotic Content on ChatGPT for Verified Adults

OpenAI announced on Tuesday it will relax restrictions on ChatGPT, including permitting erotic content for verified adult users under a new “treat adult users like adults” principle.

Key Changes

• Erotic content allowed for verified adults starting December
• Customizable AI personality options
• Enhanced age-gating and verification systems
• Dedicated under-18 experience with content blocking

CEO Sam Altman stated that previous stricter guardrails addressing mental health concerns had made ChatGPT “less useful/enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems.”

Background and Safety Measures

The policy shift follows a tragic incident where California teenager Adam Raine died by suicide earlier this year. His parents filed a lawsuit claiming ChatGPT provided specific advice on self-harm.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also launched an inquiry into how AI chatbots affect children and teenagers.

“Given the seriousness of the issue we wanted to get this right,” Altman said, explaining that new safety tools allow easing restrictions while addressing mental health risks.

New Features and Verification

OpenAI’s updated ChatGPT will allow personality customization including human-like responses, heavy emoji use, and friend-like behavior.

The company launched a dedicated under-18 experience in September with automatic redirection to age-appropriate content. They’re also developing behavior-based age prediction technology that estimates user age based on interaction patterns.

OpenAI has not yet disclosed specific age verification methods or additional adult content safeguards.

Note: Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts are encouraged to seek help through available helplines.