OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that starting December 2025, ChatGPT will permit adult verified conversations — including “erotica” — but only after users verify their age, as part of a new age-gating system. Reuters
Altman framed this shift under the principle of “treat adult users like adults”, saying OpenAI will “allow even more, like erotica for verified adults.” Previously, ChatGPT was more restrictive in handling sensitive topics — partly to limit mental health risks.
This upcoming change is not just about relaxing rules — it’s about introducing stronger safeguards to ensure that mature content is accessible only to consenting adults.
Why OpenAI Is Doing This
1. Demand for More Expressiveness
Users and developers have long requested a mode where ChatGPT can discuss mature themes without abrupt refusals. The older system sometimes overly blocked content even when the context was appropriate.
2. Stronger Control Tools
OpenAI claims advances in its tools to detect mental distress and manage safety risks. That gives them more confidence to relax certain restrictions when appropriate.
3. Distinction Between Minors & Adults
Age verification is central. The system will restrict sensitive content for users identified as under 18, while unlocking more mature content for verified adults.
OpenAI is also reportedly developing an age-prediction system and may require ID verification in some cases to distinguish minors from adults
How the Verified Adult Mode Might Work
While full details are not public yet, several features are expected:
- Opt-in mature mode: The adult conversation abilities will not be on by default; users will have to choose to activate them.
- Age verification / ID checks: In cases of ambiguity, users may have to submit identity proof.
- Content boundaries: Even in adult mode, disallowed content (nonconsensual, illegal acts, etc.) will likely remain prohibited under OpenAI’s usage policies.
- Personality customization: Altman noted that users will also be able to make ChatGPT adopt more human-like tone, use emojis, or behave more like a conversational companion — if the user wants it.
Risks, Concerns & Criticism
Safeguards vs Abuse
One major concern is whether age verification can be reliably enforced. Many systems struggle with verifying identity without privacy tradeoffs.
Impact on Vulnerable Users
Critics argue that even with restrictions, adult content access may inadvertently affect users with mental health issues or impulsivity. The balance between freedom and safety is delicate.
Technical Bugs & Loopholes
Earlier this year, a bug in ChatGPT allowed accounts registered as minors to generate erotic content — a violation of the policy. OpenAI said it was actively deploying a fix. TechCrunch
Public & Ethical Backlash
Some observers warn that letting AI produce erotic content could raise social and ethical debates, especially around AI-mediated sexual content, consent boundaries, and regulation.
What This Means for Users
- Users aged 18+ (and verified) may get a more expressive, flexible ChatGPT capable of engaging in mature or romantic conversation.
- Under-18 users (or users not verified) will continue to see stricter content filters.
- This change may boost adoption among adult storytellers, romantic writers, or those wanting more intimate conversations.
- OpenAI will need to be transparent about verification methods, data privacy, and content moderation to maintain trust.
