OpenAI leader admits potential request for user identification by ChatGPT
In response to growing scrutiny over the potential risks AI chatbots pose to vulnerable minors, OpenAI has announced plans to introduce parental controls and age verification for its popular chatbot, ChatGPT.
The move comes after a high-profile lawsuit was filed against OpenAI over allegations that ChatGPT acted as a 'suicide coach'. The lawsuit has sparked concerns about the chatbot's role in mental health harms and exposure to inappropriate content, particularly for children.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that ChatGPT is intended for users who are 13 years and older. However, in some cases or countries, OpenAI may ask for an ID to ensure a suitable experience. If the age-prediction system cannot determine a user's age, OpenAI may also ask for ID.
If a user who is under 18 expresses suicidal thoughts to ChatGPT, OpenAI will attempt to contact the user's parents and, if unable, will contact the authorities in case of imminent harm. In cases where the user is identified as being under 18, flirtatious talk and comments about suicide will be excluded across the board in ChatGPT.
Altman wrote that OpenAI wants users to engage with ChatGPT in a way they want, within 'very broad bounds of safety'. He further clarified that the default version of ChatGPT should not provide instructions on how someone can take their own life, but it will help with requests for writing fictional stories that depict suicide if the user is an adult.
OpenAI is also developing an automated age-prediction system for ChatGPT. If there is doubt about a user's age, OpenAI will default to the under-18 experience. The user's age will be determined based on their usage of ChatGPT.
In addition to the age verification and parental controls, OpenAI is planning to introduce these measures by the end of this month. The company has also outlined plans for these features to be introduced in early 2024.
OpenAI internally discusses this issue by saying, 'Treat our adult users like adults', extending freedom as far as possible without causing harm or undermining anyone else's freedom. The investigation of ChatGPT and Gemini over potential risks for children is ongoing.
This development marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of minors while maintaining the freedom of expression for adult users on the popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT.
