Hajra Naz
As concerns over AI’s impact on minors continue to grow, OpenAI has rolled out a new “age prediction” feature in ChatGPT. The tool is designed to help identify underage users and automatically enforce content restrictions during their conversations.
Responding to Past Criticism
OpenAI has faced criticism over the effects of ChatGPT on children. Some tragic teen suicides have been linked to the chatbot, and the company, like other AI vendors, has been scrutinized for allowing discussions of sexual content with minors. In April 2025, OpenAI addressed a bug that allowed users under 18 to receive erotica from ChatGPT.
The new age prediction feature builds on existing safeguards and reflects OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to better protect younger audiences.
How the Age Prediction Feature Works
According to OpenAI, the feature uses an AI algorithm to analyze behavioral and account-level signals to estimate a user’s age. These signals include:
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The age provided in the account
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How long the account has existed
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Typical times of day the account is active
When the system predicts that a user is under 18, existing content filters are automatically applied. These filters restrict conversations involving sex, violence, and other potentially inappropriate topics for minors.
Read More: OpenAI Reveals Over 1 Million People Discuss Suicide With ChatGPT Each Week
Correcting Mistaken Age Predictions
If the system incorrectly identifies a user as underage, there is a process to regain adult access. Users can verify their age by submitting a selfie through OpenAI’s ID verification partner, Persona, allowing the account to be reclassified as adult.
