OpenAI has once again postponed the introduction of a so-called “Adult Mode” for its AI chatbot ChatGPT. The function should allow verified adult users to also access erotic content.
According to the company, the focus is currently on other further developments of the application.
More features for widespread use
OpenAI boss Sam Altman first publicly mentioned the idea of a special mode for adults in October last year. The aim was to give adult users more freedom when using the chatbot. The prerequisite for this should be an age verification system that ensures that relevant content can only be accessed by people of legal age.
A launch was originally planned for December. OpenAI later pushed back the schedule to the first quarter of this year. Now the company has confirmed that the launch will be delayed again. A company spokesman told the US portal Axios that other development areas were currently taking priority.
These include improvements to the chatbot’s capabilities, adjustments to the system’s personality, and stronger personalization features. OpenAI is also working on ensuring that the application can react more actively to users in the future.
Age verification and youth protection centrally
Despite the delay, OpenAI is fundamentally sticking to the idea. The company emphasizes that adults should generally also be able to access relevant content. However, a reliable age check remains a prerequisite.
According to the company, the additional development time will be used to further improve age estimation systems. At the same time, protection mechanisms for younger users should be strengthened so that they do not have access to content that is not intended for them.
It is currently unclear how long the introduction of the erotic mode will be delayed. The company did not provide a new timeline.
