OpenAI is planning to enable “erotica” for ChatGPT users who verify their age. In a recent post on X, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that the company intends to support mature content discussions following the introduction of age verification in December.
Altman mentioned, “As we expand our age-gating features, following our principle of treating adult users as adults, we will permit more content, such as erotica for users who have verified their age.” Earlier, OpenAI suggested it might allow developers to build “mature” ChatGPT apps once the appropriate age checks and controls are in place.
In addition to erotica, OpenAI is also launching a new version of ChatGPT that reflects the qualities users appreciated about GPT-4o. The decision came a day after GPT-5 became the default model for ChatGPT, as users criticized the new model for lacking the personable traits of its predecessor.
Altman explained that OpenAI had imposed strict controls on ChatGPT to address mental health concerns, which inadvertently diminished its utility for many users without mental health issues. The company has since introduced tools designed to detect when a user might be experiencing mental distress.
Moreover, OpenAI revealed the establishment of a “well-being and AI” council to guide the company in handling complex or sensitive issues. The council consists of eight researchers and experts who focus on the effects of technology and AI on mental health. However, as noted by Ars Technica, it lacks suicide prevention experts, despite recent calls for enhanced protective measures by such professionals.
“Now that we have addressed significant mental health challenges and introduced new tools, we can safely ease restrictions in most situations,” Altman wrote in his post on X.
