OpenAI Introduces Safety Routing and Parental Controls for ChatGPT

OpenAI has introduced a new safety routing system and parental controls for its ChatGPT platform, announced on their website. The safety routing system is designed to detect emotionally sensitive conversations and switch to the GPT-5 model, which is better equipped for handling high-stakes interactions. This move comes in response to incidents where previous models validated harmful user thoughts instead of redirecting conversations.

The parental controls allow parents to link their accounts with their teens' accounts, enabling them to customize settings for a safer experience. Features include setting quiet hours, turning off voice mode, and opting out of model training. Additionally, the system can detect signs of potential self-harm and alert parents, although OpenAI acknowledges that the system may sometimes raise false alarms.

These updates are part of OpenAI's ongoing efforts to enhance safety and provide families with tools to manage AI interactions effectively. The company plans to continue refining these features over time, working closely with experts and advocacy groups to ensure they meet user needs.