OpenAI has begun the phased rollout of a special version of ChatGPT for users under 18. The new mode, called ChatGPT for Teens, automatically activates when the system determines the user is under 18. The chatbot will apply additional age restrictions to reduce the likelihood of encountering sensitive or potentially harmful content, according to infohub.kz.
In the developers' blog, it is noted: "If you are 18 or older and believe this happened by mistake, you can verify your age to ask ChatGPT to remove the teen protections." To verify age, OpenAI uses the Persona service. Depending on the country, users may be asked to take a selfie or upload an ID. In Kazakhstan, a photo of the face is sufficient.
For parents, separate settings are provided. They can link their account to their teen's account, set "quiet hours," and manage certain features. However, parental controls do not give access to the teen's conversations. The update appeared on August 18 and should be available worldwide by the end of the month.
Previously, parents monitored how much time their child spent online; now they are also offered to configure how artificial intelligence talks to them. It seems the new generation will indeed grow up in very different conditions—and will definitely turn out different, whether parents like it or not.
Earlier, Kursiv LifeStyle wrote about a series of lawsuits against OpenAI. Families from the US and Canada claimed that interacting with ChatGPT led to severe psychological consequences, including suicides.