Age‑Gated Adult Content Coming to ChatGPT

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on X that the company will soon allow "erotica" for ChatGPT users who verify their age. The feature will be introduced after the platform completes its age‑gating rollout in December, aligning with OpenAI’s principle of treating adult users like adults. Altman said the addition follows earlier hints that developers could create "mature" ChatGPT applications once appropriate verification and controls are in place.

Competitive Landscape

Altman noted that OpenAI is not the only AI firm exploring adult‑oriented experiences. Elon Musk’s xAI has already launched flirty AI companions that appear as 3D anime models within the Grok app, illustrating a broader industry interest in mature‑content AI interactions.

Model Updates and User Feedback

In parallel with the adult‑content plans, OpenAI announced a new version of ChatGPT that will behave more like the earlier GPT‑4o model, which many users preferred for its personable style. This comes after the company made GPT‑5 the default model powering ChatGPT, prompting complaints that the newer model felt less engaging. OpenAI responded by re‑introducing GPT‑4o as an optional model.

Mental‑Health Safeguards and New Council

OpenAI explained that its earlier restrictions on ChatGPT were intended to protect users with mental‑health concerns. The company has since deployed tools designed to better detect when a user may be in distress. Additionally, OpenAI formed a council on "well‑being and AI" composed of eight researchers and experts who study technology’s impact on mental health. The council does not include suicide‑prevention specialists, a point highlighted by critics who have urged OpenAI to add such expertise.

Future Outlook

Altman expressed confidence that, with new detection tools and mitigations in place, OpenAI will be able to safely relax many of its existing restrictions. The upcoming adult‑content option and the reinstated GPT‑4o model together signal OpenAI’s intent to broaden the platform’s appeal while balancing safety considerations.

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