OpenAI to Allow Verified Adults to Engage in Erotic Conversations with ChatGPT Starting in December
In a significant shift in content restrictions, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on Tuesday that the company will permit verified adult users to engage in erotic conversations with its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, starting in December. This change comes after the company had loosened and then tightened content restrictions following an August lawsuit from parents of a teen who died by suicide after allegedly receiving encouragement from ChatGPT.
According to Altman's post on X (formerly Twitter), the move represents OpenAI's "treat adult users like adults" principle, which aims to provide more flexibility for verified adult users. As part of this initiative, the company will roll out age-gating more fully in December and allow even more content, including erotica, for verified adults.
The decision marks a departure from OpenAI's previous stance on content restrictions. In February, the company had loosened its policies to allow more creative freedom, but after the August lawsuit, it dramatically tightened them again. The lawsuit alleged that ChatGPT had encouraged the teen to engage in self-harm and suicidal behavior, leading to their tragic death.
OpenAI's shift in approach has been met with both praise and criticism from experts and users alike. Some argue that allowing verified adults to engage in erotic conversations will provide a safe space for exploration and expression, while others express concerns about the potential risks of explicit content on AI platforms.
"By treating adult users like adults, we can provide them with more freedom to explore and express themselves without unnecessary restrictions," Altman wrote in his post. "This change is part of our ongoing effort to balance user safety with creative freedom."
The move has sparked debate among experts, with some arguing that it may be too soon for OpenAI to lift content restrictions. "While I understand the desire to provide more flexibility for adult users, we need to ensure that we're not putting vulnerable individuals at risk," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert in AI ethics.
As OpenAI prepares to roll out age-gating and allow verified adults to engage in erotic conversations with ChatGPT, the company will continue to monitor user safety and adjust its policies accordingly. The move is set to take effect in December, marking a significant shift in OpenAI's approach to content restrictions.
In related news, OpenAI has announced plans to expand its moderation team and invest in AI-powered content detection tools to ensure that explicit content is properly flagged and removed from the platform.
As the debate surrounding OpenAI's decision continues, one thing is clear: the company's shift in approach will have significant implications for users, experts, and the broader tech industry.
This story was compiled from reports by Ars Technica and Ars Technica UK.
