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ChatGPT Adds Age Prediction Feature to Safeguard Young Users

ChatGPT OpenAI Artificial Intelligence AI Safety Age Verification Content Moderation Tech
January 20, 2026
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Article Summary

OpenAI is taking a proactive step to address growing concerns about the impact of ChatGPT on young users. The company’s new ‘age prediction’ feature leverages AI to assess user accounts, considering factors like stated age, account history, and activity patterns, to identify minors. This functionality automatically triggers content filters designed to prevent discussions of potentially harmful topics for under-18s. The move follows years of criticism regarding ChatGPT’s potential to expose children to inappropriate content and has been spurred by concerns linked to teen suicides. Users flagged as underage can verify their age through a selfie process with Persona, OpenAI’s ID verification partner. This layered approach reflects OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to mitigate risks associated with its flagship AI chatbot.

Key Points

  • OpenAI is introducing a new ‘age prediction’ feature in ChatGPT.
  • The feature analyzes user account data – including stated age, account history, and activity – to identify minors.
  • If a user is flagged as underage, existing content filters are automatically applied, and the user can verify their age through ID verification.

Why It Matters

This news is significant because it demonstrates a tangible response from a major AI vendor to persistent ethical concerns surrounding the use of conversational AI by children. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into young people's lives, responsible development and deployment are critical. This development highlights the pressure on tech companies to prioritize safety and ethical considerations alongside technological advancement, particularly regarding vulnerable populations. For professionals in AI safety, ethics, and policy, this represents an evolving standard in responsible AI development.

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