OpenAI Unveils Safety Features for Teens in ChatGPT

(MENAFN) OpenAI launched a suite of parental controls for its ChatGPT platform on Monday, allowing parents to oversee and customize their teens' experience with the popular AI chatbot. The new features, rolling out this week, provide parents with an array of tools to ensure a safer, more age-appropriate interaction.

These controls, available to all ChatGPT users, enable parents to link their account with their teen's. Once connected, they can manage settings such as quiet hours, disabling voice mode, blocking image generation, turning off memory, and opting out of model training. Teen accounts will automatically benefit from additional safety measures, including reduced exposure to harmful content like graphic material, risky viral challenges, inappropriate roleplay, and unrealistic beauty standards.

This initiative comes amid growing concerns over the safety of young users on digital platforms. Earlier this month, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an investigation into various AI and social media companies, focusing on potential dangers posed to children and teens interacting with chatbots. The FTC reached out to Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Snap, Character Technologies, OpenAI, and xAI, requesting information on their safety practices.

In its announcement, OpenAI emphasized its collaboration with experts and advocacy organizations, including Common Sense Media and state officials like the attorneys general of California and Delaware. “We’re rolling out parental controls and a new parent resource page to help families guide how ChatGPT works in their homes,” the company said.

Furthermore, OpenAI introduced a new notification system designed to alert parents if the chatbot detects signs that a teen might be contemplating self-harm. If such concerns arise, a trained review team will evaluate the situation, and parents will be contacted via email, text, and push notifications if necessary.

“These parental controls are a good starting point for parents in managing their teen’s ChatGPT use,” commented Robbie Torney, senior director of AI programs at Common Sense Media. “They work best when combined with ongoing conversations about responsible AI use, clear family rules about technology, and active involvement in understanding what their teen is doing online.”

Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to implement an age prediction system that will automatically apply age-appropriate settings for teen users. In the interim, the company stated that parental controls will remain the primary mechanism for customizing safeguards.

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