For the most part, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been relatively SFW. However, in October, the company announced plans to loosen its content rules . But when can we expect it to launch? According to Fidji Simo, OpenAI CEO of Applications, she expects the ChatGPT adult mode feature to launch in Q1 2026 .
ChatGPT adult mode coming in Q1 2026
According to Simo, she told reporters during a briefing of the new GPT-5.2 launch that she expects ChatGPT adult mode to debut in Q1 2026. It seems that OpenAI isn’t in a rush to launch the feature yet. Instead, the company wants to get better at age prediction before introducing the new feature.
However, she stopped short of giving a more specific timeframe. This means that the adult feature could launch between January to March 2026. In the meantime, OpenAI is in the early stages of testing its age prediction model. This model will automatically figure out when to apply safeguards and restrictions for users under 18. Right now, the model is undergoing testing in certain countries to make sure it can accurately identify teens, and not misidentify adults.
The problem with AI age verification
OpenAI’s attempt to create an age verification model isn’t new. In fact, companies like Google have rolled out AI -based age verification. Google’s approach is to gauge the user’s age based on their activity .
In theory, this sounds like a great idea. Right now, users can easily claim they’re an adult by changing their birthdate. However, AI-based verification should, in theory, be smarter, right? Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. We’ve heard multiple stories of users running into issues.
The company’s AI-based age verification is proving to be very unreliable. There are multiple reports of adults who have had their accounts banned because the AI misidentified them. This isn’t that big of a deal. Users can always submit documents to prove their age if they’ve been misidentified. However, it is a pain and troublesome to do so.
It sounds like OpenAI is trying to learn from Google’s mistakes before rolling the feature out. We’ll have to wait and see if OpenAI can succeed where Google failed.
