Davos 2026: Child safety is a major priority, says OpenAI’s Christopher Lehane amid Grok outrage

As concerns mount over the potential misuse of generative AI tools, Christopher Lehane, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, emphasized that safeguarding children has become a core priority for the organization. During an interview with Business Today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Lehane outlined new initiatives aimed at enhancing safety as AI technology becomes more prevalent worldwide, particularly in countries like India. "Safety is foundational for OpenAI," Lehane stated. He highlighted the introduction of measures such as age verification, specialized models for users under 18, robust parental controls, and restrictions on companion-style bots for younger audiences. His statements come in response to significant backlash surrounding the Grok chatbot from Elon Musk’s xAI, which has faced severe criticism for allegedly disseminating inappropriate and sexualized imagery. Legislators and child rights advocates globally have raised alarms regarding the use of generative AI tools to produce harmful content, including deepfakes and non-consensual imagery involving minors. This has sparked urgent demands for stricter regulations and greater accountability from tech platforms. Lehane also mentioned OpenAI's commitment to collaborating with governments and regulatory bodies to help establish international standards for responsible AI use. "We are strong proponents of global standards and are actively working with AI safety organizations in the US, UK, Japan, and other regions," he remarked, reflecting on the increasing focus on AI regulation at Davos this year. In addressing the unique challenges in a diverse market like India, Lehane pointed out that AI safety extends beyond technical measures to include cultural sensitivity and localization. He noted that OpenAI has invested significantly in accommodating various languages and cultural contexts in India, stating, "India is not merely a testing ground; it is one of our key markets." With a reported 2.5 times growth in usage over the past year, OpenAI's decision to offer free access to ChatGPT for Indian users in November 2025 highlights their belief in the country's potential as a major beneficiary of the AI revolution.