Back in September 2025, OpenAI announced that it was working on a new tool designed to predict the age of users, helping prevent teens from accessing explicit content. Now, the Age Detection feature is officially rolling out, with the aim of protecting users under the age of 18.
This new feature is currently being rolled out globally. However, in the EU, the rollout will happen over the coming weeks due to regional regulatory requirements.
How does the ChatGPT Age Detection feature work?
The feature checks a user’s age by occasionally asking questions to confirm eligibility and then adjusts the type of content shown accordingly. The system analyses behavioural and account-level signals such as:
- Account age
- Typical activity times
- Usage patterns over time
- User’s stated age
These signals help the model continuously improve its accuracy.
If a user is incorrectly flagged as being under 18, they can quickly verify their age through a selfie verification using Persona, a secure identity verification service. Users can check their account status and begin verification by going to Settings > Account.
We’re rolling out age prediction on ChatGPT to help determine when an account likely belongs to someone under 18, so we can apply the right experience and safeguards for teens.
Adults who are incorrectly placed in the teen experience can confirm their age in Settings > Account.…
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) January 20, 2026
If an account is estimated to belong to someone under 18, additional protections are applied to reduce exposure to sensitive content, including:
- Graphic violence or gory content
- Viral challenges that may encourage risky behaviour
- Sexual, romantic, or violent role play
- Depictions of self-harm
- Content promoting extreme beauty standards, unhealthy dieting, or body shaming
- These safeguards are informed by expert guidance and academic research on child and teen development.
- The approach recognises differences in teen risk perception, impulse control, peer influence, and emotional regulation.
- When age information is unclear, the system defaults to a safer experience.
In addition, through parental controls, Parents can set quiet hours to limit usage, control features such as memory and model training, and receive alerts if signs of acute distress are detected. You can read more about how to activate parental controls here.
