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OpenAI Rolls Out Age Prediction on ChatGPT

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OpenAI said it is rolling out age prediction on ChatGPT worldwide to identify whether an account is likely owned by a minor, as the company prepares to introduce adult content features for verified users.

OpenAI said that when its model estimates an account may belong to someone under 18, ChatGPT will automatically apply additional safeguards to limit exposure to sensitive content. Users incorrectly classified as under 18 can restore full access by submitting a selfie through Persona, an identity verification service. In the European Union, the feature will be introduced in the coming weeks.

The move comes as OpenAI lays the groundwork for an “adult mode” on ChatGPT. Applications chief Fidji Simo previously said adult features are expected to debut in the first quarter of 2026, following comments from chief executive Sam Altman about allowing mature content for users who verify their age.

ChatGPT has around 800 million weekly active users. Backed by Microsoft, OpenAI has also begun introducing ads to some U.S. users as it seeks new revenue streams to support rising computing and infrastructure costs.

New Zealand Parliament to Debate Ban on Teen Social Media Use

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New Zealand lawmakers are preparing to debate a bill that would restrict social media access for children under 16, marking a major step in the country’s push to address online harms among young people. The proposal, introduced by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, would require social media platforms to implement age verification systems similar to Australia’s pioneering legislation passed in 2024.

The bill, first submitted in May, was selected on Thursday for parliamentary consideration through the country’s ceremonial ballot process for members’ bills. While it has backing from the ruling National Party, coalition partners have yet to confirm their support, leaving its passage uncertain.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has voiced growing concern about the mental health impact of social media on teenagers, citing issues such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and body image pressure. A parliamentary committee is also studying the wider effects of online harm, with a full report expected in early 2026.

Civil liberties group PILLAR has criticized the proposal, warning that mandatory age checks could endanger privacy and limit online freedoms. Executive Director Nathan Seiuli called the measure “lazy policymaking” that fails to protect children effectively.

Florida Attorney General Targets Roblox With Criminal Subpoenas Over Child Safety Concerns

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Florida’s Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that his office has issued criminal subpoenas to Roblox Corp, accusing the gaming platform of becoming a “breeding ground for predators” that endangers children. In a statement shared on X, Uthmeier condemned the company, saying Roblox “enabled our kids to be abused” while profiting from them.

The subpoenas aim to uncover evidence about alleged criminal activities on the platform, including communications between suspected predators and victims. Roblox, which has over 70 million daily users — most of them minors — has been under growing scrutiny over child safety.

Concerns about the platform intensified after a Hindenburg Research report last year accused Roblox of failing to protect its young audience. In response, Roblox increased investments in user protection, implementing tighter messaging restrictions for children under 13, AI-based monitoring, and strict content moderation.

In a statement to Reuters, Roblox emphasized that it prohibits image and video sharing in chat, blocks personal information exchange, and is working on age estimation systems for users. “While no system is perfect, our teams and automated tools continuously monitor communications,” the company said.

The controversy extends beyond U.S. borders: Iraq banned Roblox this week, claiming its chat features expose children to exploitation and cyber-extortion. Meanwhile, Roblox faces multiple U.S. lawsuits — including in Louisiana and San Francisco — alleging the company fails to prevent sexual predators from targeting minors.