OpenAI has announced a global rollout of an age prediction feature for ChatGPT designed to identify users under 18 and apply appropriate content safeguards to their accounts. The feature represents the latest effort by the AI company to address longstanding concerns about protecting minors on its platform.
How Age Prediction Works
The age prediction system uses an AI algorithm that analyzes behavioral and account-level signals to estimate whether an account belongs to someone under 18. The model examines several data points, including how long an account has existed, typical times of day when users are active, usage patterns over time, and a user’s stated age.
If ChatGPT predicts a user is under 18, the system automatically activates extra safety settings that handle adult topics—including graphic violence, sexual content, and romantic or violent roleplay—“more carefully” to reduce exposure to sensitive content.
Age Verification Process
Users who believe they’ve been incorrectly identified as minors can verify their age through Persona, a third-party age verification service, also used by platforms like Coursera and Bridge. The verification process requires either a live selfie or upload of a government-issued ID. OpenAI does not retain ID information—Persona deletes verification data after confirmation, providing only confirmation that the user is 18 or older.
Timeline and Regional Rollout
While the feature is rolling out globally, OpenAI has indicated that the EU rollout will occur “in the coming weeks” to account for regional requirements including compliance with the Digital Services Act.
Context for the Feature
This development follows OpenAI’s decision to allow verified adult users to generate sexual content on ChatGPT. The company has faced criticism in recent years for insufficient protections against minors accessing adult content, including a bug last year that allowed ChatGPT to generate erotica for accounts with users self-declared as minors.
The move comes as regulators worldwide increasingly scrutinize age verification systems for online platforms. Australia recently reported that approximately 4.7 million social media accounts held by minors were blocked following the country’s under-16 ban.