ChatGPT’s New Age Detection Feature Is Live: Here’s What It Does

OpenAI has started rolling out a new age prediction system inside ChatGPT, and yes it’s exactly what it sounds like. The AI giant wants to get better at spotting when an account likely belongs to someone under 18, so it can apply the right safety settings automatically. Until now, most of ChatGPT’s teen protections depended on one thing: whatever age a user typed in while signing up. That worked… until it didn’t. This new layer is meant to step in when the age info is missing, unclear, or just not accurate.What The Age Prediction System Looks AtInstead of relying on one detail, the age prediction model considers multiple signals. OpenAI says it looks at things like how long the account has existed, typical usage timings, activity patterns over

time, and the age the user has stated. When those signals are combined, ChatGPT estimates whether the person behind the account is likely a minor. And over time, OpenAI claims the model should get better at making the right call.What Happens If ChatGPT Thinks You’re Under 18If the system flags an account as potentially under 18, ChatGPT automatically enables extra safeguards. These guardrails are focused on limiting exposure to content that may not be suitable for teens.Restricted content can include graphic violence, sexual or violent role play, risky viral challenges, depictions of self-harm, and content that promotes extreme beauty standards or unhealthy dieting. In short, anything that could push a younger user into harmful or high-risk territory gets filtered more aggressively.Why OpenAI Is Doing This NowOpenAI says the change is based on research around teen development. Compared to adults, teenagers tend to be more influenced by peers, more likely to take risks and still developing things like impulse control and emotional regulation. Which basically means teens deserve a slightly “safer mode” by default, even if they’re curious enough to ask the wildest questions at 2 AM.What If The System Gets It Wrong?OpenAI admits mistakes can happen. If an adult account is incorrectly placed into the under-18 experience, users can restore full access through a simple age confirmation process. This uses a selfie-based verification flow via Persona, which OpenAI describes as a secure identity verification service.When It’s Rolling OutThe age prediction feature is rolling out globally, with the European Union expected to receive it in the coming weeks due to regional requirements.