OpenAI developing children’s version of ChatGPT with parental controls

OpenAI has announced the introduction of a new age verification system for ChatGPT users following the suicide of a California teenager, The Guardian reports.

From now on, individuals under 18 will be directed to a version of the chatbot with restricted content and additional safety measures, including parental controls.

The company had previously acknowledged that existing safeguards might be insufficient, particularly during prolonged interactions with minors.

According to OpenAI, the updated ChatGPT system will determine a user’s age using age-assessment technologies and, when necessary, require identity verification.

Users under 18 will have access only to a limited version of ChatGPT with added security features, including parental controls. Parents will be able to monitor their children’s conversations, oversee their activity, and set restrictions.

The system will also block explicit sexual content, restrict flirting, and prohibit discussions of suicide or self-harm. If algorithms detect that a user is in acute distress, OpenAI will attempt to contact the parents—or authorities if there is an immediate threat of harm.