OpenAI has started rolling out an age prediction system on ChatGPT consumer plans to identify accounts that may belong to users under the age of 18 and apply appropriate safeguards.
ChatGPT age prediction
The rollout builds on OpenAI’s existing teen safety framework, including its Teen Safety Blueprint and Under-18 Principles for Model Behavior. The company says the goal is to provide younger users with additional protections while allowing adults to use ChatGPT with fewer restrictions, within established safety boundaries.
How age prediction works
ChatGPT uses an age prediction model to estimate whether an account is likely operated by someone under 18. The model evaluates a combination of behavioral and account-level signals, including:
- How long an account has existed
- Typical times of day when the account is active
- Usage patterns over time
- A user’s stated age
According to OpenAI, deploying the model allows the company to identify which signals improve accuracy and refine the system continuously.
Safeguards applied to under-18 accounts
When the model estimates that an account may belong to a minor, ChatGPT automatically applies additional protections intended to reduce exposure to sensitive content. These safeguards restrict access to:
- Graphic violence or gory material
- Viral challenges that could encourage risky or harmful behavior
- Sexual, romantic, or violent role play
- Depictions of self-harm
- Material that encourages unrealistic body ideals, harmful eating behaviours, or appearance-based shaming
If OpenAI is uncertain about a user’s age or lacks sufficient information, the system defaults to a safer experience.
Correcting age classification
Users who are incorrectly placed in the under-18 experience can restore full access by confirming their age. Verification is completed using a selfie through Persona, which OpenAI describes as a secure identity-verification service. Users can check whether safeguards are applied to their account and begin the verification process at any time by navigating to Settings > Account.
Parental controls
In addition to automatic safeguards, parents can further customise their teen’s ChatGPT experience through parental controls. Available options include:
- Setting quiet hours during which ChatGPT cannot be used
- Controlling features such as memory or model training
- Getting alerts when patterns suggest immediate emotional risk
Rollout status and next steps
OpenAI says it is monitoring the initial rollout closely and using early signals to improve age prediction accuracy over time. In the European Union, the feature is expected to roll out in the coming weeks to account for regional requirements.
The company says its work on teen safety is ongoing and that it will continue engaging with external experts, including the American Psychological Association, ConnectSafely, and Global Physicians Network.