OpenAI announced on Tuesday that it is implementing an age detection system in ChatGPT globally, to determine whether an account likely belongs to a minor, at a time when the artificial intelligence company is preparing to allow adult content in the chatbot.
“When the age prediction model estimates that an account may belong to someone under the age of 18, ChatGPT automatically applies additional protections designed to reduce exposure to sensitive content,” OpenAI said in a statement.
Users mistakenly placed in the under-18 experience will regain full access by submitting a selfie through Persona, an identity verification service.
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In the EU, the feature will be implemented in the coming weeks.
In December, OpenAI apps chief executive Fidji Simo said she expects ‘adult mode’ to launch on ChatGPT in the first quarter of 2026, following comments from chief executive Sam Altman about allowing adult content for users who verify their age.
ChatGPT has 800 million weekly active users. Last week, OpenAI said it would begin showing ads in the chatbot to some US users, increasing efforts to generate revenue.
The annualized revenue of OpenAI, which has Microsoft as one of its main investors, exceeded US$20 billion in 2025, up from US$6 billion in 2024, Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar said on Sunday, with growth closely tracking the expansion of computing capacity.
