OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said ChatGPT will soon compose erotica for authenticated adult users. The AI chatbot can now generate sexual content for users above 18, a change in OpenAI’s content limitations.
In a statement on social media, Altman said, “In December, as we roll out age-gating more fully and as part of our ‘treat adult users like adults’ principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults.”
Age-gating and treating adults like adults
Only adults can use these new features because OpenAI’s age verification is stringent. A user’s adult status is verified using verification methods and behaviour-based checks.
Altman’s policy balances safety and user freedom because ChatGPT had grown “pretty restrictive to make sure we were being careful with mental health issues,” making it “less useful/enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems”.
The company wants to remove adult limits while blocking harmful or unlawful information.
Expanding ChatGPT’s personality and safety
Beyond erotica, verified adults will gain the ability to customise ChatGPT’s tone, style, and personality, making conversations more engaging and personalised.
According to Altman, this improvement contributes to the AI becoming more “human-like,” but only “if you want it.”
OpenAI aims to give mature users a more secure and adaptable experience while maintaining safeguards for vulnerable populations. Altman responded to users who expressed apprehension regarding the new feature by stating, “You won’t get it unless you ask for it,” emphasising that content of this nature is optional and under the user’s control.
OpenAI changed its policy following months of discussion over ChatGPT’s mental health risks. Altman said the company has helped “mitigating serious mental health issues” related to the chatbot, clearing the way for this expanded adult content offering.