OpenAI has announced new safeguards for young users, with CEO Sam Altman unveiling a plan that includes automatic age estimation, parental controls, and restricted assistant versions for minors.
The new system uses usage patterns to estimate a user’s age, and when in doubt, it will automatically switch to a teen-restricted mode. Parents will be able to link accounts, adjust restrictions, and receive notifications during potential mental health crises — including alerts to authorities in emergency cases.
Teen accounts will block explicit content and self-harm discussions, even in creative contexts. Altman admitted this approach may not gain universal approval but stressed the goal is to balance freedom, safety, and privacy.
These measures follow a summer of negative headlines about AI tools and mental health, alongside growing regulatory pressure and lawsuits. Still, with numerous other chatbots and open-source options available, it’s clear this challenge won’t be resolved quickly — but OpenAI wants to be among the first to draw a clear line.
In brief: Tech World Highlights
- OpenAI plans to build a massive 1-gigawatt data center and open an office in India as part of its global “Stargate” infrastructure initiative, Bloomberg reports.
- California-based Flip, which reached a $1B valuation in 2024 with its TikTok-like shopping and reviews app, has now shut down operations.
- Biotech firm Exelixis, focused on anti-cancer therapies, is laying off 130 employees, consolidating operations, and closing its Pennsylvania facility.
- Novo Nordisk secured global rights to Replicate Bioscience’s self-replicating RNA technology in a deal worth up to $550M, targeting obesity and diabetes treatments.
- Finland launched the world’s largest industrial sand battery in Pornainen, replacing a woodchip-powered plant and aiming to cut local heating emissions by up to 70%.
AI Trending Tools:
- GPT-5 – New personality update with a “warmer” and “friendlier” approach.
- Kaggle Game Arena – Benchmark for testing LLMs in evolving strategy games.
- ChatGPT – OpenAI’s assistant, now with tools for detecting signs of mental distress.
