OpenAI plans to allow a wider range of content, including erotica, on its popular chatbot ChatGPT as part of its push to treat adult users like adults says its boss Sam Altman.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Mr Altman stated that upcoming versions of the popular chatbot would behave in a more human-like manner – but only if you want it, not because we are usage maxxing.
This move, reminiscent of Elon Musk's xAI's recent introduction of sexually explicit chatbots to Grok, could help OpenAI attract more paying subscribers. However, it may also intensify pressure on lawmakers to introduce tighter restrictions on such chatbot companions.
Following Mr Altman's post, OpenAI did not respond to inquiries for comment. This announcement comes after a lawsuit was filed earlier this year by parents of a US teen who tragically took his life. The Raine family criticized OpenAI's parental controls, claiming they were insufficient in promoting healthier use of the chatbot.
Altman mentioned that OpenAI previously made ChatGPT restrictive to ensure carefulness around mental health issues. He acknowledged that it made the platform less enjoyable for many users without mental health concerns. However, he emphasized that new tools now allow for a safer relaxation of restrictions: In December, as we roll out age-gating more fully as part of our 'treat adult users like adults' principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults, he stated.
Despite the potential benefits, critics argue that OpenAI's decision to allow such content underscores the need for stringent regulations. Concerns have been raised about how to secure that children won't access adult-only portions of ChatGPT, with some experts labeling tech companies as using unregulated platforms and moves as 'guinea pigs' in a rapidly evolving landscape.
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a bill that would have prevented developers from providing AI chat companion software to children, which he argued is essential for adolescents to learn to interact safely with AI systems.
As the technological landscape evolves, the FTC has launched an inquiry into how AI chatbots interact with children, and recent congressional discussions proposed classifying AI chatbots in a way that allows users to file liability claims against developers. OpenAI's expanded access to adult content reflects the company's need to stay competitive and continue its growth trajectory in an increasingly crowded market.
