OpenAI is reportedly scaling back its planned ChatGPT “adult mode”, limiting the feature to text-only erotic conversations. The decision comes after internal concerns that its age-verification system failed to reliably identify underage users.
According to reports, the system misidentified minors around 12% of the time, raising serious safety concerns given the platform’s massive global user base.
Age Verification Issues Trigger Major Change
With an estimated 100 million under-18 users accessing ChatGPT weekly, even a small error rate could potentially expose a large number of minors to adult content.
As a result, OpenAI has decided to remove support for image, voice, and video generation within adult mode. The feature will now focus only on written content, which the company describes as closer to “smut rather than pornography.”
This approach is seen as a safer alternative, as text is easier to monitor and control compared to visual or audio content.
Shift in Strategy Compared to Competitors
OpenAI’s move contrasts with competitors like xAI, which recently announced that its Grok chatbot would support R-rated content generation, including video-based tools.
By limiting adult mode to text, OpenAI appears to be taking a more cautious path, prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance over feature expansion.
Internal Concerns and Expert Pushback
The decision also follows strong pushback from OpenAI’s internal advisory group focused on mental health and user well-being.
Experts reportedly raised concerns about:
- Emotional dependence on AI-generated relationships
- Compulsive usage patterns
- Users replacing real-world relationships with AI interactions
- The possibility of users seeking increasingly extreme content
Some advisers warned that such features could lead to harmful psychological outcomes, especially for vulnerable users.
Why Text-Only Matters
Restricting adult mode to text helps OpenAI address several challenges at once.
Written content is easier to moderate and reduces risks related to deepfakes, misuse, and illegal material. It also helps the company navigate stricter regulations in regions like the UK, where laws require stricter controls for visual adult content.
Additionally, text-based systems allow OpenAI to apply clearer boundaries and filtering mechanisms compared to more complex media formats.
Delayed Launch Timeline
The adult mode feature was originally expected to launch in early 2026, but the rollout has now been delayed. OpenAI says it needs more time to refine safety systems and ensure responsible use.
The company maintains that it still believes in allowing adults to access such features, but emphasizes that getting the safeguards right is critical before release.
Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
The situation highlights the broader challenge facing AI companies: balancing new capabilities with user safety.
As platforms like ChatGPT continue to evolve, decisions like limiting adult mode to text-only show how companies are adapting their strategies to manage risks while still exploring new use cases.
