OpenAI’s Upcoming NSFW Mode: What We Know So Far
Earlier this year, Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, hinted at the possibility of introducing a new NSFW mode for ChatGPT. This mode, designed to “treat adults like adults,” is now closer to becoming a reality, with a tentative launch timeline set for the first quarter of 2026. Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, revealed this update during a briefing about GPT-5.2, emphasizing the company’s focus on improving age prediction to enable the feature.
Currently, OpenAI is in the early stages of testing its age prediction model, which aims to determine when to apply certain safeguards and content restrictions for users under 18. The company is also testing this model in select countries to gauge its ability to identify teens and avoid misidentifying adults. This careful approach underscores OpenAI’s commitment to ensuring that the NSFW mode is both effective and responsible.
What Could This Feature Look Like?
OpenAI has been relatively quiet about the specifics of this feature, but in an initial announcement, Sam Altman mentioned that it would allow verified adults to access more content, including erotica, as part of the company’s “treat adult users like adults” principle. This approach aligns with the direction companies like xAI’s Grok are taking, emphasizing user autonomy while maintaining safeguards for younger users.
Presently, ChatGPT has safeguards in place to prevent users from generating adult content, whether through text, image, video, or code. However, with the introduction of the NSFW mode, OpenAI seems to be aiming for a balance between giving users more freedom and ensuring the platform’s safety and responsibility, especially for underage users. Unlike some competitors, such as Anthropic and Google Gemini, OpenAI has explored this territory before, notably with Sora 2, which initially allowed users to recreate celebrities and real figures.
What is Age Gating and How Does it Work?
(Image credit: Shutterstock) Age gating is a system designed to estimate a user’s age based on their interaction with ChatGPT. This system is crucial for OpenAI to accurately determine when to apply content restrictions. As Sam Altman explained, “We’re building an age-prediction system to estimate age based on how people use ChatGPT. If there is doubt, we’ll play it safe and default to the under-18 experience. In some cases or countries, we may also ask for an ID; we know this is a privacy compromise for adults, but believe it is a worthy tradeoff.” Fidji Simo’s recent update confirms that this feature is still under development, with the company working to refine its age prediction capabilities to avoid inadvertently allowing minors access to adult content.
OpenAI’s approach to introducing an NSFW mode while enhancing age gating reflects the company’s effort to navigate the complex landscape of content regulation and user responsibility. By prioritizing the development of an accurate age prediction system, OpenAI aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all users, regardless of age. As the first quarter of 2026 approaches, users and observers alike will be watching closely to see how this feature unfolds and how it might set a new standard for AI-powered content platforms.
