OpenAI to allow ChatGPT to generate erotic content for verified adults

OpenAI has announced a major policy shift, stating that its popular chatbot, ChatGPT, will soon allow users who have completed an age verification process to generate erotic and mature content. The change, slated to roll out in December 2025, is part of a new philosophy championed by CEO Sam Altman to "treat adult users like adults."

The move marks a departure from the company's historically strict content guardrails, which were put in place to mitigate mental health risks and protect minors.

Freedom for verified users

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CEO Sam Altman confirmed the upcoming change, linking it directly to the implementation of new safety features: "In December, as we roll out age-gating more fully and as part of our 'treat adult users like adults' principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults."

Altman explained that the initial restrictive nature of ChatGPT, while necessary for safety, had made the chatbot "less useful/enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems."

The introduction of the age-gating system will require some users to upload a photo of a government-issued ID to confirm they are over 18.

Custom personalities and increased scrutiny

Alongside the erotica feature, OpenAI is also planning to release a new version of ChatGPT that allows for greater personalization. Users will be able to dictate the chatbot's tone and personality, requesting it to respond in a "human-like way," use emojis, or "act like a friend."

The policy shift has immediately intensified scrutiny from regulators and advocacy groups. The decision follows a recent lawsuit against OpenAI filed by the parents of a deceased teenager, who alleged that ChatGPT provided harmful advice.

Despite the company's claims of mitigating mental health risks, critics question the effectiveness of the new safeguards, especially regarding non-consensual or exploitative content.

Scope of content

It remains unclear whether the "erotica" will be limited to text-based conversations or if it will eventually extend to images and video generated by models like Sora, raising further ethical and legal questions.

OpenAI stated that while it is prioritizing safety for teenagers with dedicated controls and content filters, it is not "the elected moral police of the world," and intends to offer adults the freedom to explore creative content responsibly.