ChatGPT launches automatic age detection to safeguard minors - AI News Today Recency

# ChatGPT Launches Automatic Age Detection to Safeguard Minors

OpenAI has rolled out a groundbreaking age prediction model on ChatGPT to automatically detect whether users are under 18 and apply appropriate safety protections[1][2]. This initiative represents a significant step in the company's commitment to protecting young users from potentially harmful content while maintaining their ability to learn and create on the platform[2].

How OpenAI's Age Detection System Works

OpenAI's age prediction model analyzes behavioral and account-level signals to estimate whether an account belongs to someone under 18[2]. The system examines multiple factors including how long an account has existed, typical times of day when users are active, usage patterns over time, and a user's stated age[2]. Rather than relying on a single data point, this multi-signal approach helps improve accuracy over time[2].

When the model determines that an account likely belongs to a minor, ChatGPT automatically applies additional protections without requiring manual intervention[2]. OpenAI acknowledges that its age detection system can occasionally make mistakes, such as flagging an adult as a teenager based on behavioral patterns[1]. In these cases, users aged 18 or older can verify their age through a streamlined verification process[1].

Content Restrictions for Teen Users

Users identified as under 18 will experience restricted access to sensitive content designed to reduce exposure to potentially harmful material[2]. These restrictions include graphic violence or gory content, viral challenges that could encourage risky behavior in minors, sexual or romantic role play, depictions of self-harm, and content promoting extreme beauty standards, unhealthy dieting, or body shaming[2].

Despite these restrictions, teens can still use ChatGPT for learning, creating, and asking questions across a broad range of age-appropriate topics[1]. The goal is to balance safety with utility, ensuring young users benefit from AI capabilities while being protected from potentially damaging content[2].

Age Verification and Parental Controls

Users who believe they have been incorrectly flagged as minors can verify their age through two verification methods: providing a live selfie using their phone or webcam, or uploading a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID[1]. Persona, OpenAI's verification partner, checks the date of birth and confirms that the selfie matches the ID photo, with accepted IDs varying by country[1]. The company deletes ID and selfie data within 7 days after verification[1].

Beyond automatic age detection, OpenAI has introduced parental controls allowing parents to link their accounts with their teen's account and customize settings[3]. Parents can set quiet hours when ChatGPT cannot be used, control features such as memory or model training, and receive notifications if signs of acute distress are detected[2]. Importantly, parents do not have access to their teen's conversations except in rare cases where the system detects possible signs of serious safety risk[4].

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is ChatGPT's age prediction model?

OpenAI's age prediction model uses a combination of behavioral and account-level signals to estimate age, but the company acknowledges it can sometimes make mistakes[2]. The system is designed to learn and improve over time based on initial rollout data[2]. If an adult is incorrectly flagged as a teenager, they can verify their actual age through selfie or government ID verification[1].

What content will be restricted for users under 18?

Teen users will have restricted access to graphic violence or gory content, viral challenges that could encourage risky behavior, sexual or romantic role play, depictions of self-harm, and content promoting extreme beauty standards, unhealthy dieting, or body shaming[2]. However, teens can still use ChatGPT for learning, creating, and asking questions on age-appropriate topics[1].

How do I verify my age if I'm incorrectly flagged as a minor?

If you're 18 or older and were placed into the under-18 experience by mistake, you can verify your age using either a live selfie through your phone or webcam, or by uploading a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID[1]. Persona handles the verification and deletes your data within 7 days[1].

Can parents see their teen's ChatGPT conversations?

Parents generally do not have access to their teen's conversations[4]. However, if OpenAI's system and trained reviewers detect possible signs of serious safety risk, parents may be notified with only the information needed to support their teen's safety[4]. Parents can choose their preferred contact method including email, SMS, or push notification[4].

What parental controls are available?

Parents can link their account with their teen's account and customize settings including setting quiet hours when ChatGPT cannot be used, controlling features such as memory or model training, and receiving notifications if signs of acute distress are detected[2]. For Sora, parents can also adjust settings such as opting into a non-personalized feed or controlling direct messaging capabilities[3].

Is the age prediction system rolling out worldwide?

Yes, OpenAI's age prediction feature is rolling out worldwide and will begin automatically applying to all ChatGPT consumer accounts[1]. The company is learning from the initial rollout and continuing to improve the accuracy of age prediction over time[2].