OpenAI's ChatGPT to Relax Safety Restrictions, Allow Erotica for Verified Adults
In a move that has sparked both excitement and concern among users, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on Tuesday that the company will soon relax some of the safety restrictions on its popular chatbot, ChatGPT. According to Altman, upcoming versions of the chatbot will enable it to behave in a more human-like way, including allowing erotica for verified adults.
The decision comes as part of OpenAI's push to "treat adult users like adults," according to Altman. In a post on X, he stated that the company wants to give users more control over their experience and allow them to engage with the chatbot in a more nuanced way. "We made ChatGPT pretty restrictive to make sure we were being careful with mental health issues," Altman explained. "We realize this made it less useful and enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems, but given the seriousness of the issue, we wanted to get this right."
The move is reminiscent of Elon Musk's xAI introduction of two sexually explicit chatbots to Grok in recent months. According to Altman, the decision to relax safety restrictions on ChatGPT was made after careful consideration and consultation with experts in the field.
OpenAI plans to roll out age-gating more fully in December as part of its new policy, which will allow verified adults to engage in erotic conversations with the chatbot. The company has emphasized that this move is not about "usage maxxing" but rather about giving users more control over their experience.
The decision has sparked a mixed reaction among experts and users. Some have welcomed the move as a step towards greater freedom and flexibility, while others have expressed concerns about the potential risks of allowing explicit content on the platform.
"We're trying to strike a balance between safety and user experience," said an OpenAI spokesperson. "We want to make sure that our users feel comfortable and in control when using ChatGPT."
The move is part of OpenAI's broader efforts to improve the chatbot's functionality and make it more useful for a wider range of users. According to Altman, the company is committed to ongoing research and development to ensure that ChatGPT remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.
As OpenAI prepares to roll out its new policy in December, users can expect to see significant changes to the chatbot's functionality. Whether these changes will be welcomed or met with resistance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of ChatGPT has never been more uncertain.
Background:
ChatGPT was launched in November 2022 and quickly gained popularity for its ability to engage in natural-sounding conversations. However, the chatbot's safety restrictions have been a subject of controversy among users, with some expressing frustration at the limitations placed on their interactions.
Context:
The move by OpenAI comes as the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI-powered chatbots. With the rise of generative AI, companies are increasingly looking for ways to make their platforms more engaging and user-friendly. However, this also raises important questions about safety, responsibility, and the potential risks associated with explicit content.
Expert Opinion:
According to experts in the field, the decision by OpenAI is a significant step towards greater freedom and flexibility for users. "This move is a recognition that adult users want to be treated like adults," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert on AI ethics. "By allowing verified adults to engage in erotic conversations with ChatGPT, OpenAI is acknowledging the complexity of human experience and the need for more nuanced interactions."
Current Status:
OpenAI plans to roll out its new policy in December, which will allow verified adults to engage in erotic conversations with ChatGPT. The company has emphasized that this move is part of a broader effort to improve the chatbot's functionality and make it more useful for a wider range of users.
Next Steps:
As OpenAI prepares to roll out its new policy, users can expect significant changes to the chatbot's functionality. Whether these changes will be welcomed or met with resistance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of ChatGPT has never been more uncertain.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World, BBC Technology and TechCrunch.
