OpenAI has begun rolling out an age prediction system for its ChatGPT service to better protect users under the age of 18. The new feature will analyze behavioral and account signals, such as usage patterns and the account's age, to estimate if a user is a minor. If a user is predicted to be under 18, ChatGPT will automatically enable enhanced safety protections, restricting access to sensitive and potentially harmful content.
These safeguards are designed to limit exposure to topics like graphic violence, sexual content, and content that promotes self-harm or unhealthy body standards. The system will default to the safer, under-18 experience if it is uncertain of a user's age. Adult users who are incorrectly categorized can restore full access by verifying their age, which may involve providing a selfie and a government-issued ID to a third-party service called Persona.