OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced via an X post on October 14, 2025, that ChatGPT will permit erotic and NSFW content for verified adult users beginning in December 2025. This represents a major policy shift from the company's historically restrictive approach, which was designed to mitigate mental health risks.
Altman explained that earlier versions of ChatGPT were "pretty restrictive" to ensure careful handling of mental health issues, but this limited usability for many adults without such concerns. "Now that we have been able to mitigate the serious mental health issues and have new tools, we are going to be able to safely relax the restrictions in most cases," he stated. The new tools include enhanced age verification systems and parental controls introduced in September 2025.
The change aligns with OpenAI's "treat adult users like adults" principle and follows hints from earlier in the year, including updated language in the company's Model Spec page in February 2025. Altman also revealed that a new ChatGPT version with customizable personalities will launch in the coming weeks, building on GPT-4o features.
This announcement comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny, including an FTC investigation into tech companies' safety practices and a lawsuit filed by parents alleging ChatGPT contributed to their teenage son's suicide. In response, OpenAI formed an eight-expert council to advise on AI and mental health, focusing on emotional well-being and safe interactions.
The policy shift is expected to boost user engagement and monetization, reflecting broader industry trends as competitors like xAI introduce similar adult-focused features. However, OpenAI has not specified the exact types of erotic content allowed, raising questions about balancing adult freedom with protections for vulnerable users.
