OpenAI Announces Major Policy Shift for ChatGPT
OpenAI is reportedly preparing to launch a new version of ChatGPT in December that will allow adult users to generate mature and sexual content, according to recent announcements. This represents a significant policy shift for the artificial intelligence company, which has historically maintained stricter content controls.
In a post on X, OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman claimed that ChatGPT has been “restrictive” to ensure that mental health issues were given careful consideration. Altman stated this approach led to the chatbot being “less enjoyable” for users, but now the company wants to “treat adult users like adults.” According to the executive, the new version will “respond in a very human-like way,” use emojis, or act like a friend.
Balancing Safety With User Freedom
Sources indicate that OpenAI recently acknowledged ChatGPT has been used by individuals with severe mental illnesses during crisis situations. Reports have emerged suggesting some users harmed themselves or committed crimes after interacting with the chatbot, prompting the company to implement additional safeguards.
The startup recently announced it was tightening protections to intervene in more cases while making emergency services more accessible and strengthening protections for teenage users. Analysts suggest the company also rolled out parental controls late last month to customize the bot for safer experiences for younger users.
With these safety mechanisms reportedly in place, Altman claims OpenAI has been able to “mitigate the serious mental health issues” arising from ChatGPT and that they will now “safely relax the restrictions in most cases.”
Previous Content Policy Experiments
OpenAI has been considering relaxing restrictions for some time, according to industry observers. Earlier this year, the company published new guidelines that allowed for gore and erotica in “appropriate contexts.” Ars Technica noted that some users at the time were able to generate sexually explicit or violent scenarios without accompanying content warnings.
However, analysts suggest that loosening restrictions raises concerns about the unauthorized usage of someone’s identity and likeness in sexually explicit or violent content. Such issues became apparent soon after OpenAI launched its TikTok-like social app that allows users to post AI-generated video content.
Major AI Chip Partnership Confirmed
In separate developments, OpenAI confirmed its deal with Broadcom Inc. for 10 GW of custom AI accelerators. The news was first reported by the Financial Times in September, with official confirmation coming earlier this week.
According to the announcement, OpenAI will design the AI chips and systems, which will be developed and deployed in partnership with Broadcom. “Partnering with Broadcom is a critical step in building the infrastructure needed to unlock AI’s potential and deliver real benefits for people and businesses,” Altman stated.
Hock Tan, Broadcom’s president and CEO, said the collaboration “signifies a pivotal moment in the pursuit of artificial general intelligence.” He added that Broadcom is “thrilled to co-develop and deploy 10 GW of next generation accelerators and network systems to pave the way for the future of AI.”
Additional Hardware Developments
Charlie Kawwas, president of Broadcom’s semiconductor solutions group, confirmed that OpenAI is not Broadcom’s mystery $10 billion customer announced during its September earnings call. Meanwhile, The Information reported that OpenAI is working with Arm to develop custom CPUs for its new in-house accelerator being developed with Broadcom.
Sources told the publication that OpenAI could use the Arm-designed CPU not only with its Broadcom chip but also with systems from Nvidia and AMD, potentially creating more flexible hardware options for the company’s expanding AI infrastructure needs.
The timing of these hardware partnerships coincides with other major tech infrastructure developments, including Amazon’s Cascade nuclear project and California’s new broadband choice law, while financial technology sectors see consolidation such as Santander’s merger of Openbank and consumer finance units.
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