OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT will introduce an “Adult Mode” in December 2025, allowing verified users to access mature and erotic content under new age-gated controls.
The move marks a major policy shift for the AI company, whose chatbot has long avoided sexual or explicit material.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the change aims to “treat adults like adults,” and will be accompanied by new safety systems to prevent underage access and misuse.
“Earlier versions were very restrictive for safety reasons, but we now have more confidence in the controls we’re building,” Altman said, according to Reuters.
Under the update, only verified adults will be able to opt into the new content settings. Users will also gain more control over ChatGPT’s tone, personality, and style — though the full rollout details remain under wraps.
A Divided Internet
While some users have welcomed the move as overdue, saying it reflects digital maturity, others have called it “morally bankrupt” and “dangerous.”
On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from humorous to furious:
- Frank O’Connor (@HusbandOfAyn): “Silicon lube for silicon brains.”
- Brian Cox (@kbriancox): “How lonely and empty do you have to be…..”
- Laurie King (@LaurieK64340592): “This is absolutely disgusting! This does not belong in a moral society. Question: because it’s a robot, will pedophiles get to request a child to interact with? Will this be a legal substitute for child porn?”
- Δ Ozzimo (@deltaozzimo): “Sam is a disgusting freak. We won’t forget about Suchir Balaji. He did NOT kill himself.”
- edward (@onbrandviews): “Ngl if the robot is looking like that it’s game over 😭.”
- Farz.zaad (@Farz_Zaad): “Maybe future politicians won’t be blackmailed if they’re busy chatting with ChatGPT? 🙃”
- Gary King (@GaryVincentKing): “Another mockery of our American Biblical roots. Laugh, scoff, ignore…”
- Alexander Sher (@AlexanderSher): “Well, OnlyChats is coming…”
- GOLDLAND MILOBANKS (@CharniP333): “Pretty sure the world doesn’t need more depraved men who’ll later say ‘Sam taught me to do it.’”
What’s at Stake
Critics argue the feature could normalise AI-driven sexualisation and open legal and ethical grey areas — especially concerning simulated behaviour, consent, and age-based restrictions.
Supporters, however, claim it’s an inevitable step in adult AI use and creativity. “It’s about time we stopped pretending grown people can’t handle conversations,” one user posted.
Looking Ahead
The “Adult Mode” feature will launch globally in December, starting with verified ChatGPT Plus subscribers. OpenAI says it will publish new guidelines before the rollout to clarify boundaries and enforcement.
Whether the change ushers in digital freedom or moral chaos remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: ChatGPT’s most controversial update yet has already split the internet.
by Geoffrey mbuthia
