News Summary

OpenAI has announced plans to implement an automated age-prediction system for its ChatGPT users, aiming to distinguish between users over and under 18 years old. This move comes in the wake of a lawsuit involving a teen suicide, which highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures. Users identified as under 18 will be directed to a restricted version of ChatGPT that blocks explicit content. Adults may need to verify their age to access the full, unrestricted features of the platform. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, acknowledged the privacy trade-offs involved but emphasized the importance of prioritizing teen safety. The development of the age-verification system poses significant technical challenges, with the company admitting there is no straightforward solution to accurately predicting age.