OpenAI Introduces Age Prediction in ChatGPT Ahead of Adult Mode Launch

OpenAI has begun rolling out an age prediction system in ChatGPT worldwide, a move aimed at identifying accounts that may belong to minors as the company prepares to introduce adult content features on its flagship AI chatbot. The update strengthens safety controls while laying the groundwork for the long-anticipated Adult Mode planned for 2026.

OpenAI Rolls Out Age Prediction in ChatGPT

OpenAI announced on Tuesday that it has started deploying an age prediction model across ChatGPT to assess whether an account is likely being used by someone under the age of 18. The feature is designed to automatically apply additional safeguards for younger users without requiring immediate identity verification.

This step comes as OpenAI prepares to expand ChatGPT’s content capabilities, including the introduction of adult content options for verified users.

How ChatGPT’s Age Prediction System Works

Automatic Protections for Suspected Minors

According to OpenAI:

"When the age prediction model estimates that an account may belong to someone under 18, ChatGPT automatically applies additional protections designed to reduce exposure to sensitive content," OpenAI said in a statement.

These protections are meant to limit access to mature or potentially harmful material, ensuring a safer experience for younger users while maintaining accessibility for adults.

Correcting Age Misclassification

Users who believe they have been incorrectly classified as under 18 can restore full access by completing identity verification.

• Verification requires submitting a selfie through Persona

• Persona is a third-party identity verification service

• Once verified, users regain access to all ChatGPT features available to adults

EU Rollout Timeline

While the age prediction feature is already rolling out globally, OpenAI confirmed that:

• In the EU, the feature will be rolled out in the coming weeks

This staggered rollout reflects compliance with regional digital safety and privacy regulations, particularly in Europe.

Adult Mode Coming to ChatGPT in 2026

Leadership Confirmation

OpenAI executives have previously outlined plans for adult content access within ChatGPT:

• OpenAI’s CEO of applications, Fidji Simo, said in December that she expects:

"adult mode" to debut within ChatGPT in the first quarter of 2026

• This follows earlier comments by CEO Sam Altman, who confirmed that OpenAI plans to allow mature content for users who verify their age

The new age prediction system is seen as a foundational safety layer ahead of this rollout.

ChatGPT User Growth and Monetisation Push

Massive Global User Base

ChatGPT continues to see explosive growth:

• 800 million weekly active users globally

Advertising and Revenue Expansion

OpenAI is also accelerating monetisation efforts:

• Ads began appearing in ChatGPT for some U.S. users last week

• The move is part of a broader strategy to diversify revenue streams

OpenAI Revenue Surge Highlights Scale

Microsoft-backed OpenAI has seen rapid financial growth:

• Annualised revenue surpassed $20 billion in 2025

• Up from $6 billion in 2024

• Confirmed by finance chief Sarah Friar

• Growth is closely linked to expanded computing capacity

This financial momentum underscores why OpenAI is carefully balancing safety, regulation and monetisation as ChatGPT evolves.

Why Age Prediction Matters for ChatGPT’s Future

The rollout of age prediction highlights OpenAI’s attempt to:

• Strengthen child safety protections

• Enable adult-only features responsibly

• Meet global regulatory expectations

• Support long-term growth and monetisation

As ChatGPT moves beyond a general-purpose chatbot into a platform offering diverse content formats, age-aware access controls are becoming a core requirement.