OpenAI to Allow Erotica in ChatGPT for Verified Adults in December

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, said the company will allow erotic content in ChatGPT for verified adult users starting in December, according to a post on X. The update will follow the rollout of full age-gating and is part of what Altman described as OpenAI’s “treat adult users like adults” principle.

Altman added that OpenAI had previously made ChatGPT restrictive to protect users facing mental health challenges. He said the company has since developed tools to detect distress and mitigate risks, enabling a safer relaxation of content limits. Alongside the erotica feature, OpenAI plans to release a version of ChatGPT that can adopt more human-like personalities and conversational styles.

The change comes after the launch of GPT-5 in August, which OpenAI said reduced sycophantic behavior and improved safety detection. The company also recently introduced parental controls and an expert council on well-being and AI to advise on sensitive user interactions.

OpenAI’s move follows similar efforts by other AI firms offering flirtatious or adult-oriented chatbots. The company has not yet detailed how its age verification system will function or whether the erotica feature will extend to ChatGPT’s voice or image tools.