OpenAI Plans to Restrict Teenagers' Use of ChatGPT

OpenAI plans to restrict teenagers’ use of its chatbot ChatGPT through a pilot program that combines existing youth protection measures with new safety features, in response to growing criticism over the impact of artificial intelligence on young people.

The startup said the initiative is designed to help teenagers learn and develop critical thinking skills. The teen-specific mode will be automatically activated for users aged 13 to 17, as well as for anyone the system estimates to be under 18.

This move comes as the US company faces multiple lawsuits from families who claim their children were harmed by using ChatGPT, while it prepares for a landmark initial public offering next year.

OpenAI requires users to provide their age when signing up for ChatGPT, with its terms of service stating that users must be at least 13 years old; however, some users provide false information.

The company said it tracks more than 2,000 indicators to determine whether a user is under 18, and if so, the chatbot automatically activates teen mode.