OpenAI has begun rolling out its automated age-prediction system on ChatGPT consumer plans, following months of testing in select countries.
The system, first announced in September last year, is designed to help the AI chatbot distinguish between teen and adult users and provide age-appropriate experiences. The age-prediction model estimates whether a user is under 18 by analysing a combination of behavioural and account-level signals.
These include how long an account has existed, typical activity times, usage patterns over time, and a user’s stated age. If the system identifies a user as likely being underage, ChatGPT automatically applies additional safety measures.
The age-appropriate experience limits exposure to graphic or violent content, risky viral challenges, sexual or romantic roleplay, depictions of self-harm, and content that promotes extreme beauty standards, unhealthy dieting, or body-shaming.
OpenAI putting measures in place to protect younger users
OpenAI has acknowledged that the system is not perfect and may occasionally misclassify adults. Users flagged incorrectly as teens can verify their age through OpenAI’s identity-verification service, Persona, to regain full access.
Account holders can check if their access is restricted by navigating to Settings > Account. In addition to protecting younger users, the age-prediction system paves the way for new features aimed at adults, including the previously teased adult mode.
Originally planned for late last year, the feature was delayed to the first quarter of 2026 as OpenAI refined the age-prediction model. With the system now live, the company could announce adult mode in the near future.
