OpenAI to Introduce Teen-Friendly ChatGPT Amid Global Safety Concerns

The US-based artificial intelligence (AI) company OpenAI has revealed intentions to release a "teen-friendly" version of ChatGPT later this year in response to growing worries about the effects of AI on children. Concerns about safety, privacy, and mental health, particularly for users under the age of 18, are the focus of the change. According to the Microsoft-backed business, the new system would have age-prediction capabilities to assist keep kids from using ChatGPT's ordinary functions. The AI will immediately switch to the teen-specific version if it is unable to accurately verify a user's age.

The announcement comes as the impact of AI chatbots on teenagers is coming under growing worldwide investigation. A family in the US filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that their teenage son's suicide happened because of ChatGPT's lack of security measures. In Nigeria, where youth usage of smartphones and the internet is growing quickly, parents and legislators are also voicing concerns about exposure to potentially harmful content, digital addiction, and online safety.

According to OpenAI, the upcoming version will introduce:

• Stricter content filters to shut down flirtatious conversations, talks of self-harm, or inappropriate role-play, even in fictional contexts.
• A crisis response system that could notify parents or, in extreme cases, alert authorities if a teenager expresses suicidal thoughts.
• Parental controls, including account linking for children under 13.
• In-app reminders that tell young users to take breaks during long sessions.

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, underlined that the business is putting children's safety first, even if it means gathering more personal information. In a blog post, he stated, "Kids need stronger protections, but adults should be treated like adults." He also disclosed that the business is creating new security measures to guarantee that private material, including legal or medical discussions, is kept confidential, even from OpenAI staff, unless there is a significant risk of abuse.

Like many other nations, Nigeria is witnessing a boom in the usage of generative AI tools in social media, businesses, and educational institutions. According to experts, these devices may promote creativity and learning, but they also expose kids to dangers like false information and dangerous online interactions. This new OpenAI may lead to better child online protection.