OpenAI plans to allow a wider range of content, including erotica, on its popular chatbot ChatGPT as part of its push to 'treat adult users like adults', says its boss Sam Altman.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Mr. Altman stated that upcoming versions of the popular chatbot would enable it to behave in a more human-like manner - 'but only if you want it, not because we are usage maxxing'.
This move, reminiscent of Elon Musk's xAI recent introduction of two sexually explicit chatbots to Grok, could help OpenAI attract more paying subscribers. It is also likely to intensify pressure on lawmakers to introduce tighter restrictions on chatbot companions.
OpenAI did not respond to the BBC's requests for comment following Mr. Altman's post. The changes announced by the company come after it was sued earlier this year by parents of a US teen who took his own life, raising concerns over the effectiveness of its parental controls designed to promote healthier use of its chatbot.
Mr. Altman explained that, although OpenAI had previously made ChatGPT restrictive to address mental health issues, the company has since developed tools to mitigate these risks. He announced that come December, as they roll out age-gating, they will allow more content, including erotica for verified adults.
However, critics argue that enabling such content emphasizes the need for more regulation. They express concerns about ensuring children cannot access adult-only portions of ChatGPT. Following a recent survey revealing that one in five students had a romantic relationship with AI, concerns around AI's impact on youth continue to mount.
As OpenAI strives to maintain its market share and user growth, it acknowledges the complexities and responsibilities that come with expanding its chatbot functionalities.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Mr. Altman stated that upcoming versions of the popular chatbot would enable it to behave in a more human-like manner - 'but only if you want it, not because we are usage maxxing'.
This move, reminiscent of Elon Musk's xAI recent introduction of two sexually explicit chatbots to Grok, could help OpenAI attract more paying subscribers. It is also likely to intensify pressure on lawmakers to introduce tighter restrictions on chatbot companions.
OpenAI did not respond to the BBC's requests for comment following Mr. Altman's post. The changes announced by the company come after it was sued earlier this year by parents of a US teen who took his own life, raising concerns over the effectiveness of its parental controls designed to promote healthier use of its chatbot.
Mr. Altman explained that, although OpenAI had previously made ChatGPT restrictive to address mental health issues, the company has since developed tools to mitigate these risks. He announced that come December, as they roll out age-gating, they will allow more content, including erotica for verified adults.
However, critics argue that enabling such content emphasizes the need for more regulation. They express concerns about ensuring children cannot access adult-only portions of ChatGPT. Following a recent survey revealing that one in five students had a romantic relationship with AI, concerns around AI's impact on youth continue to mount.
As OpenAI strives to maintain its market share and user growth, it acknowledges the complexities and responsibilities that come with expanding its chatbot functionalities.
