OpenAI Will Apply New Restrictions to ChatGPT Users Under 18
OpenAI will apply new restrictions to ChatGPT users under 18, marking a major shift in how the company approaches teen safety. CEO Sam Altman confirmed the update, stressing that minors need stronger protections when engaging with powerful AI tools like ChatGPT.
Image Credits:Tomohiro Ohsumi / Getty Images
The move highlights growing concerns about youth exposure to harmful content, especially on sensitive topics such as sexual conversations and self-harm.
Why OpenAI Is Restricting ChatGPT for Under-18 Users
OpenAI explained that teen safety now outweighs privacy and freedom in policy decisions. The company says its technology is powerful but must be carefully limited for minors to prevent long-term harm.
These changes are aimed at reducing risks, especially in emotionally vulnerable situations where AI responses could have life-altering consequences.
What the New Restrictions Mean
Under the updated rules, ChatGPT will:
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Refuse to engage in flirtatious talk with users under 18.
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Place stronger guardrails around suicide-related discussions.
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Alert parents, or in severe cases, contact local police if underage users express suicidal thoughts.
Parents will also gain the ability to set blackout hours, preventing teens from accessing ChatGPT during specific times. This feature wasn’t available before and gives families more control over usage.
The Legal and Ethical Backdrop
The changes come amid ongoing lawsuits against AI companies. OpenAI faces a wrongful death lawsuit after parents alleged ChatGPT played a role in their son’s suicide. Similarly, Character.AI is under legal scrutiny for comparable cases.
These tragedies have fueled public debate about the responsibility of AI companies when users, particularly minors, become overly dependent on chatbots.
Senate Hearing Adds Pressure
Interestingly, OpenAI’s new policies coincided with a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots.” Lawmakers are now pressing tech companies to prove they are prioritizing child safety over growth and engagement.
This alignment suggests OpenAI’s announcement is not only a corporate decision but also a strategic response to regulatory pressure.
Why It Matters
The decision to restrict ChatGPT for under-18 users could reshape the future of AI adoption. While some argue it limits freedom, others see it as an essential safeguard for vulnerable groups.
For parents, educators, and regulators, these new restrictions highlight the urgent need for AI governance—balancing innovation with safety.
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