ChatGPT Adds Age Detection to Protect Kids, Prep for "Adult Mode"

Adult content on AI systems has been quite a topic in recent times. Many have criticised the filtering mechanisms of AI, bashing how the AI failed to block minors and children from accessing and creating adult content on the tools. Just a few days ago, Elon Musk’s Grok was sued for the same. 

OpenAI wants to be careful with ChatGPT, especially when children use it. At the same time, it doesn't want to restrict adults from having a little fun. That's the reason, it is adding a new AI system to guess users’ ages so it can protect minors and prepare for adult content. So, how does this work? And when is the “Adult mode” on ChatGPT rolling out? For all that, learn more.

ChatGPT’s Age Prediction System 

On Tuesday, OpenAI officially announced that it is rolling out a new age prediction system on ChatGPT worldwide. The agenda is to guess and determine whether the account is likely being used by someone under 18 to protect them. Soon, OpenAI will allow adult content on ChatGPT (launching in early 2026 (Q1 2026), and it doesn't want to compromise young users in the process. So, what happens if ChatGPT thinks you’re under 18?

It will automatically add extra safety protections. These would block access to adult content to reduce exposure to sensitive or harmful material. If the system can't determine the age, the user will be redirected to a safe experience by default (to avoid risks). This new update will likely be live in a few weeks in the European Union (effective for all ChatGPT users globally).

What Content Gets Restricted for Under-18 Accounts?

The new rules were added based on expert advice, academic research on child development, and ongoing concerns about AI use by children. Therefore, OpenAI is improving its tech through proper research and consideration. So, when the extra protections are applied, ChatGPT limits your access to:

• Graphic violence or gory content
• Viral challenges that could push risky or harmful behaviour
• Sexual, romantic, or violent role play
• Depictions of self-harm
• Content that promotes extreme beauty standards, unhealthy dieting, or body shaming

How Does ChatGPT's Age Prediction System Work?

Well, the systems don't clearly rely on a particular criterion. It looks for a mix of signals like:

• How long the account has existed
• Typical times of day the user is active
• Usage patterns over time
• The user’s stated age

Later, these are used to improve accuracy in subsequent sessions. Keep track of which signals work best and refine the model over time. Therefore, it's like it continuously keeps training and evolving itself. Hence, it can't be tricked.

What if ChatGPT Gets Your Age Wrong?

If the system catches you as a minor, don’t worry, you can get your access back. You can regain full access by verifying your age via a selfie through Persona (a secure identity verification service). Users can start this process at any time by going to Settings → Account.

Parental Controls for Teens on ChatGPT

OpenAI is giving parents greater control over safety. Here's how to enable them:

• Setting quiet hours when ChatGPT can’t be used
• Turning features like memory or model training on or off
• Getting notifications if signs of acute distress are detected

Final Thoughts...

OpenAI is not bypassing the safety and security of the minors, while also wanting adults to have a fun time with ChatGPT. With these new updates, OpenAI is saying 'Adult Mode for adults,' 'age prediction system' for minors and 'parental controls' for teens. We'll have to wait until these updates come live on ChatGPT for more interpretations. Keep in touch for more updates on the same. 

Elon Musk’s Grok Faces Lawsuit Over Explicit Fake Images

- Grok AI is under fire for generating fake, vulgar Images of women and children on X. - India’s IT Ministry (MeitY) issued a legal notice to X, setting a deadline to remove the illegal content. - Ashley St. Clair is all set to sue xAI and Grok.

StartupTalky- Business News, Insights and StoriesAdepu Bindu