OpenAI introduces AI-powered age estimation
The US company OpenAI is introducing AI-based age estimation for ChatGPT. This is intended to protect minors from harmful content in the future.
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OpenAI has announced the global rollout of AI-powered age estimation for its AI chatbot ChatGPT. The US company announced this on its website on Tuesday. Using a dedicated AI model, the company aims to analyze behavioral patterns and account-level markers in the future to determine if ChatGPT users are minors. According to OpenAI, the feature will be available in the EU within a few weeks.
The AI-powered estimation of user age is intended to improve the protection of individuals under 18 years of age and shield them from potentially sensitive or harmful AI-generated content, OpenAI writes on its website. To achieve this, the AI model used analyzes data such as typical ChatGPT usage times, user behavior patterns, the time since an account was created, and whether this data aligns with the users' stated age.
If an estimation indicates the user is under 18, ChatGPT will automatically implement additional protective measures. In the future, content involving graphic violence, self-harm, sexualized or romantic role-playing, extreme beauty standards, stigmatizing body images, or harmful internet challenges will be restricted for users classified as minors.
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Users who have been incorrectly classified as minors will need to manually verify their age. According to OpenAI, this will be possible via the third-party provider Persona using a live selfie or an ID photo.
Public Pressure and Own Plans
The measures presented for the protection of minors are part of the „Teen Safety Blueprints“ presented by OpenAI in November 2025 and the model specifications updated in December with „Under-18 Principles“. Both steps were also taken against the backdrop of increasing public pressure. ChatGPT has long been criticized for not adequately protecting minors and for tolerating unhealthy relationships between young people and chatbots. Particularly dramatic was the case of a 16-year-old from California who committed suicide after extensively discussing suicide methods with ChatGPT.
Furthermore, OpenAI plans an adult mode that will allow erotic conversations with ChatGPT for verified adults. With the announcement of AI-based age estimation, ChatGPT is now making it clear how the necessary strict target group separation will be implemented.
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