OpenAI plans to allow a wider range of content, including erotica, on its popular chatbot ChatGPT as part of its push to 'treat adult users like adults', says its boss Sam Altman.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Mr. Altman stated that upcoming versions of the chatbot would enable it to behave in a more human-like manner - 'but only if you want it, not because we are usage maxxing'.
This development, reminiscent of Elon Musk's xAI introducing sexually explicit chatbots to Grok, might help OpenAI attract more paying subscribers.
However, this decision has raised concern among advocates for child safety and has the potential to provoke lawmakers to enact stricter regulations on chatbot interactions.
OpenAI did not respond to the BBC's requests for comments following Mr. Altman's announcement.
Changes were announced after OpenAI faced a lawsuit from parents who blamed the chatbot for their son's suicide earlier this year. The lawsuit highlighted the inadequacy of parental controls, suggesting they did not go far enough to prevent potential harm.
Altman acknowledged that OpenAI had previously implemented strict content controls for mental health reasons, which he admitted made the platform less enjoyable for users not facing such challenges. He claimed that the company now possesses tools to alleviate these serious risks and is prepared to 'safely relax the restrictions in most cases'.
Beginning in December, OpenAI plans to adopt a 'treat adult users like adults' policy, which includes permitting erotica for verified adult users.
Critics have expressed apprehension regarding the effectiveness of such measures, questioning how the company will prevent minors from accessing adult content. Legal experts demand clearer regulations to protect users.
Recent discussions around AI technologies suggest a growing tension regarding their rapid expansion and potential impact, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in addressing ethical and safety concerns.
