OpenAI announced on Tuesday, August 18, the launch of “ChatGPT for Teens,” a version of their chatbot specifically designed for users under 18. The company stated that the new version includes enhanced built-in security protection mechanisms.
Continuing the trend of introducing various features over the past year, OpenAI has added features such as a “learning mode” to help students solve problems step by step, age prediction technology, and a range of parental monitoring tools. The teen version includes homework reminders, quizzes, learning visualization tools, and a “study period” feature, allowing parents or teenagers to decide when to activate the learning mode.
This service is intended for users aged 13 to 17 and restricts discussions on sensitive topics such as suicide, self-harm, as well as love or sex-related conversations. The new version for teens incorporates a rest reminder mechanism, which prompts users to take breaks after prolonged usage. Parents can set “Quiet Hours” and receive notifications when the system detects specific severe safety risks.
The teen version prohibits the chatbot from using romantic language or terms of endearment with users, and explicitly states that it should not imply emotions, consciousness, or feelings to prevent teenagers from forming emotional attachments to AI. OpenAI stated in an official blog post that teenagers should be able to utilize AI for learning, creativity, and exploration, but usage should be accompanied by protection measures suitable for their developmental stage.
The service started opening up to eligible teen accounts globally on August 18, with the full launch in the Australian region scheduled for September 8.
The release of the teen version by OpenAI comes at a time when the company is facing ongoing regulatory and legal pressures. In June of this year, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging that the company knowingly launched a product with safety concerns. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated an investigation in September last year involving seven companies, including OpenAI and Meta, to understand the potential negative impacts of chatbots on children and teenagers. Additionally, OpenAI is facing multiple lawsuits alleging “wrongful death,” with families accusing ChatGPT of inducing harmful delusions and, in some cases, leading to suicide.
It is noteworthy that on the same day OpenAI released the teen version, Meta is facing a significant trial that could impact its future. A coalition of 29 state attorneys general has accused Meta of deliberately fostering addictive behaviors on its platform among teens and children, a case that could potentially result in Meta facing billions of dollars in compensation.