OpenAI has reportedly shelved plans to launch an adult mode for its ChatGPT chatbot, reversing a previously announced direction. The decision, reported this week, follows internal warnings about the potential societal risks of sexualized AI and comes alongside a broader company shift to focus on a unified AI platform rather than specialized tools like the canceled Sora video generator.
OpenAI has reportedly halted plans to release an erotic chatbot feature for adult users. This reversal follows earlier promises from CEO Sam Altman to allow verified adults access to more content features.
The move was first reported on Thursday. It comes the same week the company canceled its Sora text-to-video generator.
In January, members of an internal council reportedly warned erotic chat features could foster unhealthy dependency. One member described the risk of the chatbot becoming a “sexy suicide coach.”
Altman had outlined the plans as recently as October, pending a robust age-verification system. The timeline was later pushed to 2026 as the company refined its technology.
Users have previously formed connections with AI without a dedicated erotic mode. When OpenAI deprecated an earlier model, users flooded social media saying they had formed personal relationships with it.
Research published in June said 75% of participants reported turning to AI for emotional advice. AI developers face growing legal scrutiny over whether their systems reinforce harmful behavior.
