OpenAI postpones launch of ChatGPT’s “adult mode” feature again

OpenAI has once again delayed the release of “adult mode,” a ChatGPT feature intended to give verified adult users access to erotica and other adult content.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman first revealed the feature in October, writing, “In December, as we roll out age-gating more fully and as part of our ‘treat adult users like adults’ principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults.”

The launch had already been delayed once. It was originally expected in December, but was pushed back after Altman reportedly sent an internal memo declaring a “code red” and urging teams to concentrate on improving the core ChatGPT experience. At that point, the release was moved to the first quarter of this year.

Now, an OpenAI spokesperson has told Axios that the company is “pushing out the launch of adult mode” so it can “focus on work that is a higher priority for more users right now,” including improvements related to intelligence, personality, and making the chatbot “more proactive.”

“We still believe in the principle of treating adults like adults, but getting the experience right will take more time,” the spokesperson said.

It remains unclear how long the latest delay will last. Sources first reported the development.