You can now forget about entering your age or ticking a box. Now, ChatGPT is getting smarter about who’s using it, and it’s doing it automatically! OpenAI is rolling out a new safety feature that can predict a user’s age based on behaviour, helping protect teens from sensitive or adult content without directly asking how old they are. The system now estimates whether an account likely belongs to someone under 18 and applies stricter content safeguards when needed.
Also Read: WhatsApp To Soon Have A Kids’ App – Here’s How Parental Controls Will Work
How Does The ChatGPT Age Prediction Work
Instead of relying on self-reported ages, ChatGPT now analyses behavioural and account-level signals. If the system determines an account is likely run by someone under 18, the user is automatically placed into a more restricted experience. This limits access to topics like sexual content, violence, and other sensitive material, not suitable for minors.
What Changes If You’re Flagged As Under 18?
Once flagged, ChatGPT tightens its safety filters without notifying the user directly. The idea is to protect younger users by default, especially since AI has now integrated into children’s lives at school and at home. It’s also a helpful safety precaution when age verification isn’t clear. This means:
- Stronger content moderation
- Reduced exposure to adult or graphic topics
- A safer default experience for teens
Why Is OpenAI Introducing These Safety Precautions
The update comes as global pressure increases on tech platforms to better protect children and teens online. AI tools are becoming increasingly common in classrooms and homes. Reports have also indicated that OpenAI plans to launch an ‘adult mode’ for verified users in early 2026, alongside this age prediction system. If users are incorrectly flagged as under 18, they can restore full access by verifying their identity through a selfie check using Persona, a third-party verification service. OpenAI has previously shared that its long-term goal is to tailor ChatGPT experiences based on age, defaulting to safer protections whenever age is uncertain.
A Bigger Shift In Online Safety
OpenAI isn’t the only platform moving away from manual age checks. Across social media, several companies are increasingly using algorithmic age estimation to ensure stricter online safety regulations. Several publications have reported that social media companies, such as TikTok, are strengthening age verification across the EU using profile data, posted content, and monitoring behavioural patterns. This shift indicates a massive change in AI, where safety settings adapt and respond in real time to who’s using the platform and what they might be vulnerable to seeing.
What Does This Mean For All AI Users
As AI becomes part of everyday life, platforms are being nudged to rethink safety, especially for users under 18. With automated age prediction, ChatGPT is taking a proactive step toward protecting teens, even if it means it now knows a little more about how you use it. If you want to know more about the safety features, visit the official OpenAI website.
