OpenAI, the company that operates the chatbot GPT, plans to significantly expand the range of content allowed on the platform, including allowing erotic content for verified adult users. The company's CEO,Sam Altman , announced this in a tweet on X. According to Altman, the move is part of the principle of "treating adult users like adults," and future versions of the chatbot will allow it to behave in a more human way, "but only if you want it to."
The policy change comes after OpenAI previously imposed strict restrictions on content, Altman said, to “be careful about mental health issues.” Those restrictions, announced in a blog post in August and since deleted, made the tool less useful for many. Now, with “new tools” being developed to help mitigate “serious mental health issues,” the company feels confident in relaxing the rules.
Starting in December, with full age verification mechanisms in place, erotic content will also be available to verified adults. This move, similar to the launch of sexually explicit chatbots by Elon Musk 's xAI, is expected to help OpenAI attract more paying subscribers and increase its market share.
However, the decision raises serious concerns about child safety and mental health. This year, OpenAI was sued by the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine , who committed suicide in April , alleging wrongful death. The lawsuit included correspondence showing his conversations with ChatGPT, in which he expressed suicidal thoughts.
Critics in the US say the decision highlights the need for tighter regulation. Jenny Kim , a partner at the law firm, questioned how the company would ensure that children could not access the adult-only sections, calling it using people as guinea pigs. In the past, it has been reported that regulatory action is being taken in response to growing concerns.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened an investigation into how AI-powered chatbots interact with children. A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US Senate that would allow users to file liability claims against developers.
