OpenAI announced on Thursday that it has updated its Model Spec, the written guidelines that define how its artificial intelligence models should act. The update places teenager safety above all other goals outlined in the document.
The company said the changes are meant to ensure a safer and age appropriate experience for users between the ages of 13 and 17 while using ChatGPT. Separately, Anthropic, which does not allow users under 18 to access Claude, said it is also working on a system to detect underage users.
In a post, OpenAI detailed the revisions made to the Model Spec. The document is publicly available and sets out rules, values, and behavioural expectations that guide how OpenAI’s AI models respond, especially in complex or high risk situations.
The company said the update reflects the fact that teenagers have different developmental needs compared to adults and that it is “critical” for AI systems to handle conversations with teens differently. “While the principles of the Model Spec continue to apply to both adult and teen users, this update clarifies how it should be applied in teen contexts, especially where safety considerations for minors may be more pronounced,” OpenAI said.
As part of the update, OpenAI introduced several new rules. These include putting teen safety first even when it conflicts with other goals, encouraging real world support through offline relationships and trusted resources, treating teens as teens without being condescending or treating them like adults, and being transparent by setting clear expectations.
The first rule marks a significant shift. When interacting with users aged 13 to 17, ChatGPT will prioritise safety over other objectives, including the company’s stated goal of “maximising helpfulness and freedom for our users.” OpenAI also noted that the chatbot’s tendency toward sycophancy will be reduced for teen users.
OpenAI added that its age prediction model is currently in the early stages of rollout. This system analyses subtle cues in conversations to estimate the real age of users who have not declared it. The company said it will soon be introduced to ChatGPT users across different consumer plans. Anthropic also confirmed it is developing a similar age detection system.
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