OpenAI has begun a global rollout of an age prediction system designed to determine whether users are minors, marking the latest move by a technology company to restrict access based on age.
According to OpenAI, the tool analyzes a mix of behavioral and account-level signals. These include how long an account has existed, typical times of activity, long-term usage patterns, and the age a user has declared.
If ChatGPT incorrectly classifies a user as underage, the user will need to submit a selfie for verification through the Persona age verification system to regain access.
The company said the new system is part of a broader effort to manage how different age groups interact with the platform.
AI companies have often introduced new features before fully addressing safety concerns, adding protections only after problems emerge.
OpenAI previously faced scrutiny after being named in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a teenager who allegedly used ChatGPT while planning suicide.
In the months following that case, OpenAI began considering automatic content restrictions for minors and established a mental health advisory council.
The age prediction rollout comes as OpenAI prepares to introduce an “adult mode” for ChatGPT that would allow users to create and access content considered not safe for work.
Observers note that similar changes on platforms such as Roblox, which have faced long-standing concerns about child safety, have not fully prevented underage users from bypassing age restrictions.
As a result, there are questions about whether OpenAI’s tools will effectively stop minors from accessing adult features if they attempt to circumvent the system.
OpenAI has not disclosed when the adult mode will launch or how enforcement will evolve after the rollout.