On January 20, 2026, OpenAI unveiled an 'Age Prediction' function within the consumer - facing version of ChatGPT. The primary goal is to pinpoint users who are under 18 years old and offer them tailored protection. This function works by scrutinizing behavioral cues. These include how long an account has been in existence, the times when the user is most active, and their patterns of interaction. Based on this analysis, it automatically activates safety settings that are suitable for the user's age group. If a user is flagged as a minor, the system will automatically block access to a range of content. This encompasses violent material, dangerous challenges, inappropriate role - playing scenarios, content related to self - harm, and extreme aesthetic expressions. In situations where it's unclear whether a user is a minor, the system defaults to a strict protection mode. Additionally, for users who have been wrongly classified as minors, there's a provision to appeal. This is facilitated through a third - party verification service called Persona. Parents also have a say in their children's usage of ChatGPT. Through parental control features, they can set specific time periods during which their kids can use the platform. They can manage memory permissions, which essentially control what information the system remembers about their children's interactions. Moreover, they can receive alerts if the system detects signs of psychological distress in their children's usage patterns.