ChatGPT to Allow Erotic Content for Verified Adults, Says OpenAI CEO

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced that upcoming versions of ChatGPT will allow erotic content, but only for verified adult users. The decision marks a significant shift in the company’s long-standing content policy, which has historically prohibited sexually explicit or suggestive material across all its AI platforms. The update, set to roll out in late 2025, is aimed at creating a more “human-like” and customizable AI experience for mature users.

Speaking in an interview with BBC News on October 15, 2025, Altman said the decision reflects OpenAI’s commitment to building an AI that feels more natural, adaptive, and emotionally intelligent. “We’re developing versions of ChatGPT that can behave in a more human-like way — but only if you want it,” Altman explained. He emphasized that this change would not affect the chatbot’s default behavior, assuring users that OpenAI will continue to enforce strict boundaries around consent, age verification, and user safety.

According to the company, the adult-content feature will be locked behind an optional verification system to ensure compliance with age restrictions and regional laws. Users who wish to access the mature mode will have to go through a robust identity verification process. This means the feature will not be freely accessible to minors or casual users. The company stressed that user privacy will remain paramount, and explicit conversations will be processed under reinforced safety protocols.

The update is part of OpenAI’s broader effort to expand ChatGPT’s personalization options, allowing users to shape how the AI communicates — whether as a professional assistant, a conversational partner, or a more expressive and emotionally aware persona. While OpenAI has been exploring user-driven customization since early 2024, this move represents its most daring attempt yet to balance human expression with ethical AI governance.

However, the decision has already sparked intense debate online. Critics argue that introducing erotica could open the floodgates to harmful or exploitative content, blurring the line between human intimacy and AI companionship. Others worry about the potential psychological effects of sexualized AI interactions, especially in societies where technology is increasingly replacing interpersonal relationships. Some technology ethicists have also questioned whether AI-generated erotica could inadvertently reinforce harmful gender stereotypes or unrealistic body ideals.

Supporters, on the other hand, see the move as a natural evolution of human–AI interaction. Many argue that adults should have the freedom to choose how they engage with AI systems, provided adequate safeguards are in place. They point out that existing tools like Replika, Character.AI, and several decentralized AI models already allow adult-themed interactions — though often without the ethical oversight or accountability that OpenAI maintains. For these advocates, OpenAI’s entry into the space could set a new industry standard for responsible adult AI engagement.

Altman appeared to acknowledge the controversy, noting that while the change is experimental, it represents OpenAI’s vision for an AI ecosystem that adapts to diverse user needs and values. “We don’t want to build a system that tells people what they can or cannot talk about in their private lives,” he said. “We want to give adults meaningful choices — with transparency, safety, and respect.”

Industry analysts believe the decision also has strategic implications. As competition intensifies among AI developers like Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and Meta, personalization has become a key differentiator in user retention. Allowing adult content under strict conditions could attract a new user demographic while reinforcing OpenAI’s leadership in ethical AI innovation.

Still, the rollout will test the company’s ability to manage social backlash and maintain its reputation for safety and responsibility. Regulators in Europe and parts of Asia are expected to scrutinize the update, given existing restrictions on sexually explicit digital content. Meanwhile, OpenAI has promised that the feature will undergo “extensive testing and community feedback” before its public launch.

Whether this move transforms AI-human relationships or provokes new ethical dilemmas, one thing is clear: OpenAI is once again pushing the boundaries of what conversational AI can, and should be. As Altman succinctly put it, “The future of AI isn’t about replacing people. It’s about making technology that feels more human, in all the ways that matter.”

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