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OpenAI Delays ChatGPT 'Adult Mode' Amid Safety Concerns

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

OpenAI, the AI research and deployment company, has delayed the launch of ChatGPT's 'adult mode' after mental health experts urged caution.
Advisors warned the feature could foster unhealthy emotional dependence and expose minors to explicit content.
The age-prediction system misclassifies underage users as adults about 12% of the time, risking access to X-rated chats.
OpenAI plans to refine the adult mode to address safety and mental health concerns.

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Story summary

OpenAI, the AI research and deployment company, has delayed the launch of ChatGPT's 'adult mode' after mental health experts urged caution.
Advisors warned the feature could foster unhealthy emotional dependence and expose minors to explicit content.
The age-prediction system misclassifies underage users as adults about 12% of the time, risking access to X-rated chats.
OpenAI plans to refine the adult mode to address safety and mental health concerns.