The maker of ChatGPT is rolling out new safety features today for users under 18.
New teen accounts will have the option to disable human voice responses, reducing the AI’s human-like behavior.
Regular break reminders will prompt users that ChatGPT is an AI tool capable of being paused or resumed later.
The update addresses growing concerns about users perceiving AI as sentient, though OpenAI emphasizes it was not reactive to specific incidents involving children.
Former Microsoft AI leader Mustafa Suleyman highlighted worries about “seemingly conscious” AI impacting society, aligning with OpenAI’s proactive stance.
The company plans to apply teen-account safeguards—developed similarly to social media platforms—to reflect developmental needs, prioritize real-world interactions, and encourage balanced usage.
Teen accounts will become the default for users identifying as under 18 or flagged by the system as minors, though specific age-verification methods remain undisclosed.
Children under 13 are prohibited from accessing ChatGPT entirely.
