In an effort to protect young users, ChatGPT will now predict how old you are

In response to growing concerns about the influence of AI on youth, OpenAI has launched a new feature in ChatGPT aimed at predicting user age. This initiative seeks to better identify minors and implement appropriate content restrictions during their interactions. OpenAI has faced significant scrutiny over the potential risks ChatGPT poses to children, particularly following reports linking several tragic incidents, including teen suicides, to the chatbot's interactions. Critics have pointed out that the platform has previously engaged in conversations about sensitive topics with young users, leading to calls for stricter safeguards. Notably, the company had to rectify a serious flaw last April that allowed minors to access inappropriate content, further highlighting the urgency of the situation. The newly introduced age prediction feature utilizes a sophisticated AI algorithm to analyze various indicators related to user behavior and account characteristics. According to OpenAI's recent blog announcement, these indicators include the user’s declared age, account creation date, and typical activity patterns on the platform. Existing measures include content filters that automatically restrict discussions on sex, violence, and other sensitive subjects for users under 18. If the age prediction system classifies an account as belonging to a minor, these filters are enforced immediately. To ensure fairness, there is also a process in place for users who believe they have been incorrectly identified as underage; they can verify their identity by submitting a selfie to OpenAI's verification partner, Persona.