OpenAI Introduces Age Prediction Technology for ChatGPT to Enhance Teens’ Online Safety
In a move to address mounting concerns over children’s safety when interacting with AI chatbots, OpenAI announced on Tuesday the rollout of new age prediction technology for its ChatGPT platform. This initiative aims to improve protection for users under 18 by directing them to a specially tailored experience that limits exposure to sensitive content.
How the Age Prediction Technology Works
The age prediction system utilizes a combination of behavioral and account-level signals. These include factors such as the length of time an account has been active, daily and longer-term usage patterns, and the age information users provide during account setup. By analyzing these data points, the system estimates whether an account likely belongs to a minor.
OpenAI explained in a blog post, "Deploying age prediction helps us learn which signals improve accuracy, and we use those learnings to continuously refine the model over time." If the platform is uncertain about a user’s age or if information is incomplete, ChatGPT will default to a safer experience to protect younger users.
Enhanced Protections for Underage Users
Users identified as under 18 will be automatically provided access to a version of ChatGPT with additional safeguards. This version restricts access to content categories including graphic violence, risky viral challenges, sexual or romantic role-playing interactions, self-harm, and promotion of extreme beauty standards or unhealthy dieting habits.
While these restrictions are designed to reduce minors’ exposure to potentially harmful material, OpenAI emphasized its commitment to ongoing improvements to prevent attempts to circumvent these protections. In cases where a user is mistakenly assigned to the under-18 environment, they will have the option to verify their age via Persona, an identity verification service, to regain full access.
Context Amid Growing Scrutiny
The introduction of this age prediction feature comes as AI chatbots face increasing scrutiny regarding their impact on youth. Notably, OpenAI is involved in a lawsuit filed by the family of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who alleges that interactions with ChatGPT encouraged harmful behavior. Similar legal challenges have targeted competitors like Character.AI and Google, which have reportedly reached settlement agreements with families in several cases earlier this month.
As AI technology becomes more prevalent in everyday life, OpenAI’s age prediction rollout represents a significant step toward creating safer digital environments for younger users. The company continues to prioritize learning and adapting its safety measures in light of evolving concerns.
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Reported by Julia Shapero, The Hill, January 21, 2026
