OpenAI abandons yet another side quest: ChatGPT’s erotic mode

OpenAI has decided to pause its plans for an "erotic mode" for ChatGPT, at least for the foreseeable future. According to a report by the Financial Times, the AI firm is placing the proposed adult feature on indefinite hold following significant backlash from both tech watchdogs and its own employees. The notion of an adult mode was initially introduced by CEO Sam Altman last October, but it quickly sparked controversy. Earlier this year, tensions escalated during a meeting between company executives and advisors, where concerns were raised about the potential risks, including the idea of creating a "sexy suicide coach," as reported by The Wall Street Journal. With ongoing criticism, the release of this feature faced multiple delays, and now there is no set timeline for when, or if, it might be launched. Upon inquiry by TechCrunch, an OpenAI representative stated that there would be no additional comments on the matter. This decision regarding the adult mode is just the latest in a series of recent shifts for OpenAI, which is consolidating its efforts to streamline its focus. Earlier this week, OpenAI quietly announced the deprioritization of Instant Checkout, a feature designed to enable users to purchase items directly through the ChatGPT interface. Furthermore, the company revealed it would be discontinuing Sora, its AI video generation tool, which had faced criticism for contributing to the oversaturation of low-quality AI content since its introduction in 2024. These developments come in the wake of a report indicating a significant strategic shift at OpenAI. The company aims to eliminate distractions and concentrate more on its core objectives: serving business clients and software developers. This pivot seems timely, especially with the rising competition from Anthropic, which has been actively launching new coding and business tools, gaining traction in the market. In a competitive landscape, OpenAI recently secured a $200 million contract with the Department of Defense, while Anthropic faces legal challenges regarding Pentagon contracts. These dynamics suggest a future trajectory for AI that leans more towards business applications and governmental partnerships rather than entertainment and novelty features.