Key Highlights –
- OpenAI is rolling out an AI-based age prediction system globally that automatically restricts sensitive content for any account identified as belonging to a user under the age of 18.
- Accounts flagged as minors will be blocked from accessing graphic violence, sexual or romantic roleplay, and content promoting self-harm or unhealthy body standards.
- Adults incorrectly identified as minors can restore full access by verifying their identity through a third-party service, Persona, which requires a live selfie or government ID.
Sam Altman led OpenAI has more often than not been in a rather grim light with incidents regarding ChatGPT’s alleged contribution in teen suicide and mental health. While the AI company has rolled out updates to ensure that the chatbot avoid repeating these, it has recently added a new feature which will predict users’ age and impose ‘extra safety settings.’
How Does ChatGPT’s Age Prediction Feature Really Work
All users are required to submit their date of birth when setting up their ChatGPT account, however the new feature does not rely on this information alone. In order to predict users’ age, ChatGPT analyses data such as account age, typical active times, and usage patterns.
OpenAI has stated that there are chances that the chatbot could get analysis wrong and place an account under 18 experience. If this happens to you, you can verify your age, for which the steps are discussed in the section further below in the article.
Once under this setting, ChatGPT will turn on extra safety settings which restrict content such as:
- Graphic violence or gore
- Viral challenges that could push risky or harmful behaviour
- Sexual, romantic, or violent role play
- Content that promotes extreme beauty standards, unhealthy dieting, or body shaming
Except sensitive topics such as these, under-18 accounts will still be able use ChatGPT normally.
Also read: OpenAI Denies Allegations That ChatGPT Guided Teen Toward Suicide
How to Restore Your Account if Misplaced as Under-18 Experience
Since this feature is intended for as an additional safety measure for teens, ChatGPT might go wrong in it’s initiative to predict age correctly. If the AI gets the analysis wrong and places you under-18 experience, you can remove it by following these steps below –
- Log in to your ChatGPT account
- Open Settings > Account, and check whether you are in under-18 mode
- If yes, then choose Verify age or directly start verification process here..
- Follow the steps with Persona.
In order to verify your account, you’ll be required a Live Selfie using your phone or webcam or a government issued ID ((for example, a driver’s license, passport, or state ID). Using this, Persona will check your date of birth and that your selfie matches your ID photo. In some instances both of these could be required for verifying the age.
OpenAI has disclosed that any uploaded document will be auto-deleted within 7 days.
