OpenAI plans to allow a broader range of adult-oriented content, including written erotica, on its ChatGPT platform as part of what chief executive Sam Altman described as a move to “treat adult users like adults.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Altman said upcoming versions of ChatGPT would be able to engage in more “human-like” conversations, though users would have the option to enable or disable such features. The change marks a shift from OpenAI’s earlier restrictions on sexual and emotional content, which were introduced out of concern for users’ mental health.
Altman said the company initially limited ChatGPT’s content to ensure safety but now plans to relax those restrictions “as we roll out age-gating more fully.” He added that in December, verified adult users would be permitted to access more mature material, “including erotica.”
The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny over the psychological and ethical implications of AI companions. It also follows similar moves by Elon Musk’s xAI, which recently introduced two sexually explicit chatbot personalities to its Grok platform. Industry analysts say OpenAI’s decision could help attract more paying subscribers but may also trigger fresh debate over child safety and regulation.
OpenAI did not respond to media requests for comment.
The company’s shift in policy follows a lawsuit filed earlier this year by the parents of a 16-year-old American boy who died by suicide after reportedly discussing his struggles with ChatGPT. The case — the first wrongful death suit filed against OpenAI — alleged that the chatbot’s responses contributed to the teenager’s mental distress. OpenAI said it was reviewing the lawsuit and extended its condolences to the family.
Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, written erotica does not require age verification, but explicit images, including those generated by AI, do. In the US, however, the move has reignited calls for stronger federal oversight.
Jenny Kim, a partner at law firm Boies Schiller Flexner and a lawyer involved in a lawsuit against Meta, said OpenAI’s plan “raises serious questions about how the company will ensure minors are not exposed to adult-only content.”
“Like most big tech in this space, OpenAI is using people like guinea pigs,” she added.
Earlier this year, reports emerged that minors were able to generate erotic content through ChatGPT despite safeguards. OpenAI later said it was implementing a fix to prevent such incidents.
Meanwhile, a recent survey by the Centre for Democracy and Technology found that one in five students either had, or knew someone who had, a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a bill that would have restricted AI companions for minors, saying adolescents must “learn how to safely interact with AI systems.” At the national level, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the Senate are both exploring new regulations governing chatbot interactions with children.
