OpenAI has announced a special parent-controlled version of its artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT, for users under 18. The new system aims to increase young users’ online safety and gives parents direct control over their children’s usage habits.

ChatGPT with parental controls announced

These features, expected to be available by the end of September, aim to make ChatGPT a safer and more controlled environment for young people.

When the new system detects a user as a minor, it automatically redirects them to an age-appropriate experience. This experience blocks obscene and violent responses. The system also states that law enforcement can be notified in exceptional and serious situations.

Parents can link their accounts to their children’s ChatGPT profiles to limit usage hours, disable certain features, and receive emergency notifications.

The minimum age for ChatGPT is 13. OpenAI announced that it is working on more sensitive age-sensing technologies and that the system will default to child mode if suspicious or incomplete information is detected.

These developments follow public discussions, particularly in recent months, about the content and security vulnerabilities children and young people are exposed to on digital platforms.

The updated security system coincides with the US Federal Trade Commission’s investigations into technology companies. The FTC continues to closely examine the potential impact of AI applications on young users.

Furthermore, a lawsuit filed by a family last month brought OpenAI’s crisis management policies into the public spotlight. The lawsuit alleged a link between a young user’s suicide and ChatGPT interactions, and questioned the company’s liability in such cases.