ChatGPT is launching a new feature to verify a user’s real age. ChatGPT’s creator, OpenAI, is rolling out a new feature to identify their users’ real age by predicting their age based on how they use the app. This comes after ChatGPT faced intense backlash from concerned parents over the platform’s negative impact on young children.
ChatGPT unveils new age check feature
ChatGPT is rolling out a new feature to determine its users’ age. According to the information on their blog post, if the platform feels the user is under 18, they will turn on extra safety settings. However, if the user is over 18, legally an adult, they can turn off those settings by verifying their age. This will allow the user experience to be safe and within the confines of their age limit.
ChatGPT will use an “age prediction system” that studies users’ behavioural and consumption patterns. The San Francisco-based AI startup will decipher the user’s age based on what kind of topics they use it for. However, they have also stated that this system is not foolproof, and users can verify their age separately as well.
OpenAI have assured users that they will apply extra protections around sensitive content. This relates to graphic violence, sexual content, or anything that encourages harmful practices. Their blog post notified users that they have used a “trusted” third-party company called Persona to verify the user’s age.
For the age verification process, users will be required to upload a real-time picture of themselves or submit a government-verified identity card. Furthermore, fans can be assured that Persona will not retain the user’s personal information and will delete it within seven days. Notably, Persona will not share the user’s private information with OpenAI except for their birth date for age verification.
OpenAI had previously introduced separate parental controls that allow parents to keep themselves updated with their children’s interactions with ChatGPT. Parents can monitor their child’s activity on ChatGPT, remove high-risk features, and schedule blackout periods as well. Additionally, the chatbot will send parents timely notifications when the system detects signs of “acute distress” (via Mint).
Notably, the San Francisco-based AI startup plans on introducing an upcoming “adult mode” inside ChatGPT for serving NSFW content. OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, Fidji Simo, revealed last December that they want to enhance their age prediction safety tools first before launching an adult mode.
