OpenAI has confirmed plans to roll out a new "adult mode" feature for ChatGPT users in early 2026, designed to provide verified adult users with access to more expressive and less restricted AI interactions. Fidji Simo, OpenAI Applications CEO, announced during a technology show on TBPN that age verification processes have already begun in some countries. This phased approach is intended to ensure accurate identification of adult users, as the adult mode will only be unlocked through this rigorous verification. Simo emphasized that this new offering aligns with the company's principle to "treat adult users like adults."

This significant announcement coincides with the launch of OpenAI's latest model, GPT-5.2. This release reflects OpenAI's commitment to enhancing its chatbot's capabilities and personalization features, especially in the face of increasing competition from rivals such as Google's Gemini 3, which has garnered strong reviews.

Regarding the potential introduction of advertisements on the ChatGPT platform, Simo did not provide an immediate confirmation but suggested it could be a future possibility. She stated, "People trust that ChatGPT has their back, and gives them the best answer for their needs. Nothing we do can jeopardize that." Simo further clarified that if OpenAI were to introduce ads, it would be done "in a way that is extremely respectful with the special relationship that people have with ChatGPT." She also highlighted ChatGPT's dedication to developing Large Language Models (LLMs) that remain uninfluenced by companies paying for visibility or individuals attempting to "game the system," thereby ensuring that recommendations are based solely on what is truly "best" for the users.

The core purpose of ChatGPT's upcoming ‘adult mode’ is to effectively block minors from accessing mature content before its public release. The age verification process, currently in testing in select markets, is crucial for this objective. While specific details about the feature remain limited, reports suggest it will offer adult users greater conversational freedom. Simultaneously, the age-verification system is designed to detect users under 18 and apply stricter safety filters, enabling the platform to deliver age-appropriate content and ensure regulatory compliance. This strategy mirrors practices on other online platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where mature content is restricted or “banned” for underage users through legal mandates and platform policies, all aimed at protecting minors from potentially harmful material.