ChatGPT’s age-prediction model to detect users under 18, add safeguards for teens

MANILA, Philippines – Following in the footsteps of Google’s Age Assurance model in 2025, OpenAI announced on Tuesday, January 20, it is instituting its own age-prediction model to ChatGPT with the expressed purpose of tailoring the experience of using the chatbot for age-appropriate activities.

According to OpenAI’s statement announcing age prediction, users who have previously labeled themselves as teens on ChatGPT will “automatically receive additional safeguards to reduce exposure to sensitive or potentially harmful content.”

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The protections include reducing exposure to certain topics or sensitive content, such as:

• Graphic violence or gory content
• Viral challenges that could encourage risky or harmful behavior in minors
• Sexual, romantic, or violent role play
• Depictions of self-harm
• Content that promotes extreme beauty standards, unhealthy dieting, or body shaming

While OpenAI did not disclose the methods it uses to determine a user’s age, its approach is likely similar to Google’s, analyzing the prompts a user provides to estimate an age range.

The age-prediction safety check will apparently be used on all ChatGPT users, once the rollout is finalized in Europe. The EU has further regional requirements that need to be followed before the age checks can be instituted there.

Age verification and ads

OpenAI said in its documentation for the age-prediction model, “It can turn on the under-18 experience when other signals suggest it may be needed.”

As such, ChatGPT users who are mistakenly added to the under-18 category can appeal by submitting a selfie or a valid government ID to Persona, a third-party company that works with OpenAI to prove their age.

The announcement of the age-prediction model follows OpenAI’s push to introduce ads to the ChatGPT experience.

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The move to add age checks might entice advertisers by providing them a better way to determining whom their ads are shown to, especially if those advertisements — such as for alcohol or vices — are more adult-oriented in nature. – Rappler.com