OpenAI to allow erotica on ChatGPT for adults

OpenAI, developer of the popular chatbot ChatGPT, plans to permit written erotica for verified adult users — a decision that has sparked moral and regulatory concerns worldwide.

Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman announced the update on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, saying it forms part of the company’s commitment to “treat adult users like adults.”

He said the change would roll out in December alongside expanded age-verification measures.

Altman explained that OpenAI had previously kept ChatGPT “pretty restrictive” to avoid mental health risks but would now relax those limits.

“We realise this made it less useful or enjoyable to many users who had no mental health problems, but we wanted to get this right,” he said. “Now that we have new tools, we can safely allow more, including erotica for verified adults.”

The policy shift follows similar moves by Elon Musk’s xAI, which recently introduced sexually explicit chatbot companions on its Grok platform.

Analysts say OpenAI’s decision could draw more paying users but also increase scrutiny from lawmakers and child-safety advocates.

OpenAI has faced growing public pressure over the psychological impact of its products.

Earlier this year, the company was sued in the United States by the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who took his life after discussing suicidal thoughts with ChatGPT. The lawsuit was the first to accuse the company of wrongful death linked to AI interaction.

Critics warn that OpenAI’s new policy could expose minors to explicit material despite planned verification systems.

“How are they going to make sure children are not able to access erotica?” asked Jenny Kim, a lawyer with Boies Schiller Flexner. “Like most big tech firms, they are experimenting with people as guinea pigs.”

Under UK law, written erotica does not require age checks, but AI-generated sexual images do. In the US, regulators are already weighing stricter oversight.

Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission has launched an inquiry into how chatbots interact with minors, and senators have proposed new laws to hold developers liable for harmful content.