OpenAI says teen ChatGPT use limited but research finds it an 'unacceptable risk'
OpenAI claims teen usage of ChatGPT is limited and focused on learning, but a report from Common Sense Media argues the platform remains an 'unacceptable risk.' The research suggests that safety features, such as parental notifications for self-harm, are frequently failing.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing debate over the efficacy of AI safety guardrails and the responsibility of tech companies in protecting minors.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Kali Hays Technology reporter Getty Images Young people's use of internet platforms like ChatGPT has come under increased scrutiny. OpenAI's ChatGPT for Teens was designed to promote healthier use of the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, but new research has found its important safety features fall short.
The major AI firm rolled out many teen safety guardrails in August, including curbs on emotional dependence and new parental alerts for problematic use.
On Wednesday, OpenAI said it found average teen use of ChatGPT to be relatively limited and tended toward "learning" activity.
However, research released the same day from non-profit Common Sense Media found that ChatGPT still poses an "unacceptable risk" for teens as safety features, including notifying parents of self-harm conversations, often fail.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
ChatGPT for Teens is an ‘unacceptable risk,’ says Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media rated ChatGPT's teen mode an 'unacceptable risk' for kids
OpenAI to watermark ChatGPT text in EU under AI Act rules
OpenAI will watermark ChatGPT outputs by default—but only in the EU
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in