AI developer OpenAI plans to create an age-determining system and restrict conversations about flirting and suicide for adolescent users.
OpenAI, the leading artificial intelligence (AI) research company, has announced new measures aimed at balancing privacy, freedom, and the safety of teenage users in AI conversations. In a recent blog post, CEO Sam Altman outlined these decisions, which have been made following discussions with experts and a commitment to transparency.
The new measures are designed to ensure that AI conversations are protected like private talks with doctors or lawyers. OpenAI will not allow flirtatious exchanges or discussions about suicide, even in creative writing, for users under 18. For adults, the system will avoid flirtatious conversations and will not provide instructions on how to commit suicide.
To further protect user data, OpenAI is developing advanced security features, even going as far as to prevent its own employees from accessing user data except in rare cases where there are serious risks, such as threats of violence, plans to cause major harm, or emergencies involving someone's life.
OpenAI is also building an age-prediction system to estimate a user's age based on their interaction with the AI. In some places, OpenAI may require an ID check for users under 18. If there is uncertainty about a user's age, OpenAI will assume they are under 18.
If a teen shows signs of suicidal thoughts, OpenAI will try to reach their parents and, if necessary, alert authorities in case of immediate danger. Sam Altman met with experts, including OpenAI's CTO Mira Murati and co-founder Ilya Sutskever, during the decision-making process on principles for ChatGPT use by minors, focusing on safety and sensitive topics like sexuality and self-harm.
While these measures may not be universally agreed upon, Altman acknowledges that these decisions regarding AI regulations are challenging. He emphasised that these decisions are based on a commitment to safety and a desire to provide a responsible and secure AI experience for all users.
In other news, OpenAI has hinted that it will not launch its first AI-native devices until 2026. There were no new updates provided regarding Meta's smart glasses or Samsung's One UI 8 update.
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is designed for people aged 13 and older. The company encourages adults to use the AI as they choose, while ensuring that the system is safe and respectful for teenage users.
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