OpenAI delays ChatGPT’s ‘adult mode’ again

In Brief Posted: 9:28 AM PST · March 7, 2026 Image Credits:Silas Stein/picture alliance / Getty Images Anthony Ha OpenAI delays ChatGPT’s ‘adult mode’ again OpenAI has delayed the launch of “adult mode,” a ChatGPT feature that will give verified adult users access to erotica and other adult content. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman first announced 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, from December — when Altman reportedly sent an internal memo declaring a “code red” and calling for teams to focus on the core ChatGPT experience — until the first quarter of this year. Now an OpenAI spokesperson has told Axios that the company is “pushing out the launch of adult mode” in order to “focus on work that is a higher priority for more users right now,” such as work on aspects like 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’s not clear how long the delay is expected to last. The news was first reported by Sources. Topics AI, ChatGPT, OpenAI June 9 Boston, MA Actively scaling? Fundraising? Planning your next launch?TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 delivers tactical playbooks and direct access to 1,000+ founders and investors who are building, backing, and closing.Register by March 13 to save up to $300. REGISTER NOW Newsletters See More Subscribe for the industry’s biggest tech news TechCrunch Daily News Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage. TechCrunch Mobility TechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight.

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