OpenAI has explained how its age prediction system works in ChatGPT, giving more details about how the platform tries to identify accounts that may belong to users under 18.
The feature, introduced earlier this year, is designed to provide an additional safety check beyond the date of birth entered when a ChatGPT account is created. Rather than taking the information provided by users at face value, OpenAI says its system also looks at how an account is used to estimate whether it may belong to a minor.
How ChatGPT Predicts a User’s Age
OpenAI uses a dedicated AI model to assess whether an account is likely being used by someone under the age of 18. According to the company’s support page, the model considers a combination of behavioural and account-level signals.
These signals can include the topics a person generally discusses with ChatGPT, the times they typically use the service, how frequently and in what ways the account is used, changes in usage patterns over time, and how long the account has been active.
OpenAI says this system does not replace the date of birth provided during account creation. Instead, age prediction works as an additional layer of protection that can help ChatGPT determine which experience should be available to an account.
If the system identifies an account as belonging to someone under 18, ChatGPT can automatically switch it to the ChatGPT for Teens experience. Some features and types of interaction are restricted in this mode, although users can still use ChatGPT for activities such as learning, creating content and asking questions.
Users can also see which age category ChatGPT has assigned to their account. This information is available under Settings > Account > Age, where the account will be shown as either belonging to someone under 18 or someone aged 18 and above.
What Happens If an Adult Is Incorrectly Flagged?
OpenAI acknowledges that its age prediction system is not always accurate. An adult could potentially be identified as being under 18 based on the signals associated with their account.
If that happens, eligible users may be given the option to verify their age. OpenAI says this process is handled by Persona, an external age verification company, rather than directly by OpenAI.
Depending on the user's country, the verification process may ask for a live selfie, a government-issued identity document, or both. The process can check the date of birth provided and, where an ID is submitted, determine whether the person in the selfie matches the photograph on the document.
OpenAI says it does not receive the ID or selfie submitted during this process. Instead, the company receives only the information required to determine which ChatGPT experience should apply, such as confirmation that the user is 18 or older and other relevant age information.
According to OpenAI, Persona also deletes the identity document or selfie uploaded for verification within seven days.