OpenAI Rolls Out Age Prediction Tool for ChatGPT

OpenAI has begun a global rollout of an age prediction tool for ChatGPT consumer plans, aiming to identify users under 18 and apply tailored safeguards to limit exposure to potentially harmful content.

The feature, announced Tuesday, uses an AI model to estimate a user's age by analyzing behavioral and account-level signals. These include the length of time an account has been active, typical usage times during the day, long-term patterns of interaction, and any stated age provided by the user. If the model assesses an account as likely belonging to someone under 18, it automatically shifts the experience to a more restricted mode. This blocks access to materials such as graphic violence or gore, depictions of self-harm, sexual or romantic role-playing, violent scenarios, viral challenges that could encourage risky behavior, and content promoting extreme beauty standards, unhealthy dieting, or body shaming.

The system builds on existing protections for users who self-identify as under 18 during signup, which already reduce exposure to sensitive topics. OpenAI stated that the approach draws from expert consultations and academic research on child development, including...