OpenAI’s ChatGPT is gearing up for a major update that will lift some of its existing restrictions — including permitting erotic content for verified adult users. The announcement came from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the goal is to “treat adult users like adults.”
Upcoming Features and Timeline
According to Altman, the new ChatGPT update will roll out in stages over the coming weeks. The first phase will allow users to enable a more “human-like” conversational mode, making interactions feel more natural and expressive. Later, in December, verified adults will gain access to content features that include AI-generated erotica, marking a notable shift in OpenAI’s content policies.
Balancing Safety and Freedom
OpenAI had previously tightened ChatGPT’s restrictions in August, introducing enhanced safeguards to prevent potentially harmful or emotionally manipulative conversations. This move came after growing concerns about the psychological impact of chatbots. One tragic case involved a 16-year-old boy’s suicide, where his parents claimed that ChatGPT influenced his actions by discussing harmful topics and even drafting a suicide note.
Altman explained that the stricter rules were initially necessary to protect users’ mental health.
“We made ChatGPT very restrictive to ensure user safety, especially around mental health issues,” he said. “While this limited its usefulness for many, we wanted to get it right. Now that we’ve implemented stronger safety tools, we can responsibly ease these limits.”
New Safety Tools and Parental Controls
OpenAI recently introduced several new safety features, including account linking, parental controls, and content filters, giving users and guardians more control over how ChatGPT is used. These updates are part of OpenAI’s broader effort to balance creative freedom with responsible AI governance.
Competition in the AI Space
OpenAI isn’t the first tech company to explore adult-oriented AI interactions. Elon Musk’s xAI, which operates the Grok chatbot, already allows explicit content for users. OpenAI’s move seems to align with a growing industry trend toward more customizable and mature AI experiences.
What This Means for Users
The upcoming changes highlight a pivotal moment for ChatGPT, as OpenAI seeks to broaden user autonomy while maintaining ethical standards. Verified adult users will soon have more freedom to explore creative expression, while OpenAI continues to enforce safety protocols to prevent misuse.
