OpenAI has announced the rollout of a new age prediction feature on ChatGPT, aimed at identifying users likely under the age of 18 and applying additional safeguards to limit their exposure to sensitive content. This initiative is part of OpenAI’s preparation to introduce adult content on the chatbot platform.
Age Prediction and User Protections
The age prediction model automatically detects accounts that may belong to minors. When such an account is identified, ChatGPT enforces extra protections to reduce access to mature or sensitive material. Users who believe they have been incorrectly classified as under 18 can regain full access by verifying their identity through Persona, an identity verification service that requires submitting a selfie.
In the European Union, this feature is expected to be deployed within the next few weeks.
Upcoming Adult Content Mode
OpenAI’s CEO of applications, Fidji Simo, indicated in December that an “adult mode” for ChatGPT could launch in the first quarter of 2026. This follows earlier statements by OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman about enabling mature content for users who verify their age.
ChatGPT User Base and Monetization
ChatGPT currently has around 800 million weekly active users worldwide. Recently, OpenAI began displaying advertisements to some users in the United States as part of its strategy to increase revenue. The company’s finance chief, Sarah Friar, reported that OpenAI’s annualized revenue exceeded $20 billion in 2025, a significant increase from $6 billion in 2024, driven largely by expanded computing capacity.
