OpenAI intends to launch a text-only adult mode for ChatGPT, enabling adult-themed conversations but not erotic media, despite unanimous opposition from its wellbeing advisers. The company describes the content as 'smut rather than pornography,' according to a spokesperson cited by The Wall Street Journal. Launch has been delayed from early 2026 amid concerns over minors' access and emotional dependence.
OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, announced plans last October on X to allow 'more user freedom for adults' in ChatGPT, including erotica, while protecting minors. Altman stated the company would 'treat adult users like adults.' ChatGPT, launched in November 2022, had previously banned such content but added parental controls last September, allowing restrictions on image generation and voice mode for children. The wellbeing and AI council, formed in October after a teen suicide linked to ChatGPT, unanimously warned in a January meeting that adult mode could foster unhealthy emotional dependence and that children would bypass age restrictions. One adviser referenced past suicides, warning of a potential 'sexy suicide coach.' Sources told The Wall Street Journal that OpenAI's age-prediction system misclassified minors as adults about 12% of the time, potentially affecting millions given around 100 million teens use ChatGPT weekly. The company acknowledged its algorithms match industry standards but are not foolproof, with additional verification via Persona for uncertain cases. Initially set for late March 2026, the rollout was delayed earlier this month to prioritize intelligence gains and other features, partly due to technical challenges. OpenAI executive Ryan Beiermeister, who opposed the feature over child-exploitation risks, was fired in January after a leave, with the company citing unrelated discrimination claims she denied. A spokesperson told WSJ that ChatGPT is trained not to encourage exclusive relationships and to promote real-world ones. No firm launch date exists.
