Critics and users criticize OpenAI's parental controls
OpenAI faces backlash over its new parental controls for ChatGPT, with critics calling them overly restrictive and users demanding more autonomy. The features, aimed at protecting minors, have sparked debates about adult user freedoms. Reactions highlight tensions between safety and user trust.
In September 2025, OpenAI rolled out enhanced parental controls for its ChatGPT platform, allowing guardians to set usage limits, monitor conversations, and restrict access to certain topics for children under 13. The update was announced as part of the company's commitment to child safety amid growing concerns over AI's impact on young users.
Critics, including privacy advocates and tech ethicists, have slammed the controls as paternalistic and invasive. Sarah Johnson, a researcher at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, stated, 'These tools treat all users like potential threats, eroding trust in AI systems designed for broad accessibility.' She pointed out that the controls require account linking and data sharing, raising privacy issues even for non-parental accounts.
User reactions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have been equally vocal. Many adult subscribers expressed frustration, with one user posting, 'I'm 35 years old—treat us like adults, not kids needing a babysitter.' Complaints center on the controls inadvertently limiting features for verified adults, such as reduced response lengths during peak hours or mandatory age verification prompts that some find cumbersome.
OpenAI defended the measures in a blog post, emphasizing that they comply with regulations like the Kids Online Safety Act. A company spokesperson said, 'Our goal is to create a safer digital environment without compromising the experience for responsible users.' However, the rollout has not quelled concerns; a survey by Tech Policy Review found 62% of respondents felt the controls were 'too controlling' for general use.
The controversy underscores broader debates in AI governance, where balancing innovation with protection remains challenging. As OpenAI continues to iterate on these features, user feedback could shape future updates, potentially leading to more granular options for different age groups.