OpenAI Introduces Age Prediction on its ChatGPT Consumer Plans

OpenAI has started rolling out a new age prediction technology on its ChatGPT consumer plans to determine if an account may belong to someone under 18. When the age prediction model determines that a logged in users is under 18, ChatGPT will automatically provide additional safeguards to reduce exposure to sensitive or potentially harmful content.

As of today, teens who create a ChatGPT account and declare that they are under 18 automatically receive these additional protections against graphic violence, depictions of self-harm, viral challenges, content that promotes unhealthy habits, and more. However, for teenagers tempted to lie about their age, OpenAI’s age prediction model will use multiple signals to determine if a user may be under 18.

“The model looks at a combination of behavioral and account-level signals, including how long an account has existed, typical times of day when someone is active, usage patterns over time, and a user’s stated age,” the company explained. “Users who are incorrectly placed in the under-18 experience will always have a fast, simple way to confirm their age and restore their full access with a selfie through Persona, a secure identity-verification service.”

In September, OpenAI introduced parental controls in ChatGPT, allowing parents to disable certain features, such as memory and chat history, for their teens. Parents can also set up quiet hours during which ChatGPT is not available for use.

OpenAI’s age prediction technology will roll out gradually to allow the AI startup to fine-tune its model. For EU users, age prediction will roll out in the coming weeks.