OpenAI delays ChatGPT adult mode again
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- OpenAI has delayed the launch of ChatGPT's "adult mode," a feature that would give verified adult users access to erotica and other adult content
- Sam Altman first announced the feature in October, writing that in December OpenAI would "allow even more, like erotica for verified adults" under its "treat adult users like adults" principle
- The launch had already been pushed from December to Q1 of this year after Altman reportedly sent an internal "code red" memo calling for teams to focus on the core ChatGPT experience
- An OpenAI spokesperson told Axios the company is prioritizing work on intelligence, personality, and making the chatbot "more proactive" over the adult mode launch
- The spokesperson said OpenAI "still believe[s] in the principle of treating adults like adults" but that "getting the experience right will take more time"
- No new timeline for the launch has been given
Why it matters: OpenAI is now twice-delayed on a feature Altman publicly committed to shipping by December, and the company is explicitly trading the "treat adults like adults" promise for core product work on intelligence, personality, and proactivity. Verified adult users who were promised erotica access within roughly two months of the October announcement now face an indefinite wait, with the source noting it's unclear how long the latest delay will last.
