OpenAI Plans ChatGPT Parental Controls After Lawsuit

OpenAI is set to release new parental controls for ChatGPT within the next month, enabling parents to link their accounts with their teenage children’s and manage how the AI interacts with them, including disabling memory and chat history features. These controls will also send automated alerts if the AI detects that a teen is in a moment of acute distress, with the system funneling sensitive conversations through advanced reasoning models to better apply safety guidelines. The announcement follows a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that ChatGPT provided a teen with information on suicide methods and tips on hiding injuries, prompting OpenAI to enhance safety features and collaborate with experts in youth mental health. OpenAI emphasized that these measures are part of an ongoing effort to improve ChatGPT’s response to mental health crises and ensure trust between parents and teens. The company plans to continue refining these tools and safety protocols to address concerns about AI’s impact on vulnerable users. This development reflects broader awareness of the risks and responsibilities associated with AI in mental health contexts.