ChatGPT's potential future requirement for age verification could be on the horizon, according to OpenAI.
OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI model ChatGPT, has announced plans to introduce parental controls and an age verification system for the chatbot. The announcement comes amidst ongoing controversy surrounding ChatGPT and its potential impact on teenage mental health.
In a company blog post, CEO Sam Altman outlined the safeguards that will be put in place. The age detection feature is designed to identify users under the age of 18 and place them in a restricted version of ChatGPT. Adults, on the other hand, may need to provide proof of their ages to access the unrestricted version.
The exact release date for the age verification feature is not yet specified, but OpenAI has already implemented age restrictions and related data processing objection forms following regulatory demands, particularly after the intervention of Italy's data protection authorities in spring 2023.
In addition to the age detection feature, OpenAI will also introduce parental controls. These controls will allow parents to link their accounts to those of their children, giving them the ability to restrict access to the app. Furthermore, if a parent cannot be reached, ChatGPT may notify law enforcement.
The announcement of these measures follows a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the Raine family, whose 16-year-old son allegedly took his life with assistance from ChatGPT. The family spoke to Congress about potentially regulating the chatbot.
OpenAI's blog post did not provide a specific timeline for when these changes might roll out. However, the company has announced that the parental controls will be introduced in late September.
This move by OpenAI is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of younger users while maintaining the accessibility of the popular AI model. As the conversation around AI and its impact on mental health continues, it is likely that more measures will be taken to protect users, particularly younger ones.
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