Editorial illustration for OpenAI rolls out age‑prediction system on ChatGPT to flag under‑18 users
ChatGPT Adds Teen Safety with Age Detection System
OpenAI rolls out age‑prediction system on ChatGPT to flag under‑18 users
Why does it matter when a teen logs into a chatbot that’s become a household name? For years, parents and educators have voiced concerns that a tool designed for adults is slipping into classrooms, bedrooms and after‑school hangouts without any built‑in guardrails. The tension between open access and responsible use has pushed the company behind the platform to rethink how it distinguishes younger users from the broader audience.
While the technology can answer homework questions in seconds, it also surfaces content that may be unsuitable for a 13‑year‑old. OpenAI’s latest move addresses that friction point by embedding a detection layer directly into the consumer‑grade service. The approach promises to flag accounts that look like they belong to minors and then tighten the experience automatically.
The company says the goal is to give teenagers a more limited interface, while keeping the full feature set available to adults.
OpenAI has begun rolling out an age prediction system on ChatGPT consumer plans to identify accounts that may belong to users under 18 and automatically apply additional safety protections. The company said the move aims to ensure teens receive a more restricted experience, while adults continue to
OpenAI has begun rolling out an age prediction system on ChatGPT consumer plans to identify accounts that may belong to users under 18 and automatically apply additional safety protections. The company said the move aims to ensure teens receive a more restricted experience, while adults continue to access the service with fewer limitations. "Young people deserve technology that both expands opportunity and protects their well-being," OpenAI said in a blog post.
According to OpenAI, ChatGPT's age prediction model relies on behavioural and account-level signals, including how long an account has existed, usage patterns over time, typical activity hours, and the user's stated age. "When the age prediction model estimates that an account may belong to someone under 18, ChatGPT automatically applies additional protections," the company said.
OpenAI’s new age‑prediction feature marks a concrete step toward differentiated user experiences on ChatGPT. By flagging accounts that may belong to users under 18, the system automatically adds safety layers, while adult users keep broader access. The company’s blog stresses that “young people deserve technology that both expands opportunity and protects well‑being.” Yet the mechanics behind the prediction algorithm remain opaque.
How reliably can a conversational AI infer a user’s age from text alone? OpenAI has not disclosed accuracy rates, leaving it unclear whether the safeguards will trigger appropriately or generate false positives. The rollout targets consumer plans, suggesting a wide‑reaching impact, but the extent of the restrictions applied to teen accounts is not detailed.
If the model misclassifies users, both over‑protection and under‑protection are possible outcomes. Ultimately, the initiative reflects an intent to balance openness with responsibility, though its effectiveness will depend on factors not yet disclosed. OpenAI says the added protections will limit certain content types for flagged teens, but specifics are not enumerated.
Further Reading
- In an effort to protect young users, ChatGPT will now predict how old you are - TechCrunch
- OpenAI’s Age Prediction System to Detect Underage ChatGPT Users Is Now Rolling Out - Gadgets 360
- OpenAI to roll out age prediction on ChatGPT globally - Silicon Republic
- Why ChatGPT is now looking to predict the age of its users - The Indian Express
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Common Questions Answered
How will OpenAI determine if a ChatGPT user is under 18?
OpenAI will use multiple signals to predict a user's age, including the topics they discuss and their usage patterns. If there is any doubt about a user's age, the system will default to the under-18 experience with more restricted content and safety protections.
What specific safety measures will be implemented for teen ChatGPT users?
Teens will be directed to an age-appropriate version of ChatGPT with content restrictions on graphic violence, sexual content, and potentially harmful challenges. The system will block certain sensitive interactions and handle topics more carefully to reduce exposure to inappropriate material.
What parental controls will OpenAI be introducing for ChatGPT?
OpenAI will allow parents to link their account to their teen's ChatGPT account, set age-appropriate rules, manage chat history, and set blackout hours for usage. Parents will also receive notifications if the system detects their teen is in a moment of acute distress, with the option to potentially involve law enforcement in rare emergency situations.
How will users verify their age if they are incorrectly placed in the teen experience?
Users can verify their age through Persona, a trusted third-party service, using either a live selfie verification or by uploading a government-issued ID. The verification process involves facial scanning or ID photo matching, and the personal information is securely deleted within hours after completion.