Profit over principles? The sex revolution – ChatGPT gets dirty and why OpenAI is now focusing on eroticism

Breaking the erotic taboo: Is OpenAI making a fatal mistake with ChatGPT?

In a move that has caught the AI ​​world's attention and sparked a heated debate, OpenAI has announced a radical about-turn for its flagship chatbot ChatGPT. Starting in December 2025, the platform, which is used by around 800 million people weekly, will also allow adult content for verified adult users. CEO Sam Altman justifies this move with the principle of "treating adult users like adults," but behind the facade of user freedom lies enormous economic pressure.

The decision comes at a time when OpenAI is facing billions of dollars in investments in its infrastructure and is urgently seeking profitable business models. The AI ​​pioneer is thus following a long-standing pattern in technological history, in which eroticism often served as a commercial driver for new technologies. However, this change of course is highly controversial. It comes against the backdrop of tragic incidents in which teenagers lost their lives after intensive interactions with AI bots, and is met with sharp criticism from child protection advocates and tech experts.

While OpenAI attempts to allay concerns with a new, AI-powered age verification system and expanded parental controls, the central question remains: Will the company succeed in balancing the delicate balance between commercial interests, user freedom, and the ethical responsibility to protect the most vulnerable? Or does the erotic offensive mark a turning point where profit finally triumphs over principles?

A new era for ChatGPT: The erotic offensive

OpenAI, developer of the world's most popular chatbot ChatGPT, announced significant changes to its content policy for October 2025. Sam Altman, the company's CEO, announced via Platform X that ChatGPT will also provide erotic content to verified adult users starting in December 2025. This announcement marks a turning point in OpenAI's previous strategy, which had previously deliberately designed the chatbot to be restrictive.

The decision is justified by the principle of treating adult users like adults. Altman emphasized that the new feature will only be available to adults who have verified their age, and that its use is at the request of the users. Specifically, Altman stated in his post: With the full implementation of age verification and in accordance with the principle of treating adult users like adults, the company will allow more content, such as adult content, for verified adults.

The announcement comes at a time when ChatGPT, according to OpenAI, has around 800 million weekly users. This corresponds to approximately 10 percent of the world's adult population. The chatbot sparked the current artificial intelligence boom in November 2022 and has since been considered the market leader in this segment.

Market pressure: profit before principles?

The decision to allow erotic content is set in the context of the economic challenges facing OpenAI and other AI developers. The company, along with competitors like Meta, is currently investing hundreds of billions of dollars in building data centers. OpenAI has already signed contracts worth around one trillion US dollars for computing power to run its AI models by 2025. However, there is no guarantee that these massive investments will pay off.

The search for viable business models for artificial intelligence is a key challenge for the entire industry. Against this backdrop, the planned erotic content appears to be a potential additional source of revenue, even if it is not yet known whether it will be subject to a fee. The history of technology shows that erotic content has often been a driver for new technologies, from video recorders to streaming services to interactive media.

In an interview in August 2025, Altman stated that he was proud that OpenAI was foregoing features like sexbot avatars, even though this could bring short-term growth. The now announced reversal suggests that the pressure to develop profitable use cases has increased. The market for AI-generated erotic content is growing rapidly, and the major providers have so far been hesitant.

Age control via AI: A delicate compromise

A key aspect of the announcement is the implementation of an age verification system. OpenAI is currently developing an automatic age assessment system based on behavioral and system signals. The system will be able to analyze whether a user is under 18 years old and adjust the chatbot's responses and reactions accordingly.

If a user's age is uncertain, the system will default to settings for minors. In certain cases or countries, users may be required to provide ID to confirm their age. OpenAI emphasizes that this intrusion into the privacy of adult users is considered a necessary compromise to protect minors.

Critics point out, however, that the technical details of age verification remain vague. It's unclear how reliable the system will be and how OpenAI will process sensitive user data. The line between protection and surveillance is thin, and previous opt-in systems have not always proven watertight.

From cynic to listener: Users shape their chatbot

In addition to the erotic feature, Altman announced further adjustments designed to give users more control over the chatbot's behavior. A new version of ChatGPT is scheduled to be released in the coming weeks, allowing users to more deeply influence the bot's personality. For example, the chatbot could react in a very human way, use lots of emojis, or act like a friend.

With the launch of GPT-5, OpenAI has already introduced four preset personalities: Cynic, Robot, Listener, and Nerd. These personalities are initially available in text chat and will later be introduced for voice chat. The Cynic delivers sarcastic and dry replies, the Robot presents himself concisely and efficiently, the Listener acts empathetically and supportively, while the Nerd offers detailed and exploratory explanations.

The reason for this development is that many users miss an earlier version that gave them more permission. One problem back then was that the software also encouraged potentially harmful or risky behavior. OpenAI emphasizes that safeguards are now in place to minimize such risks.

From safety corset to new flexibility

ChatGPT had previously been deliberately programmed to be restrictive, designed to minimize psychological risks. Altman explained that the company carefully designed the system to be considerate of mental health concerns. ChatGPT has so far responded to such erotic inquiries by stating that it cannot distribute sexually explicit content.

However, this caution made the chatbot less useful or entertaining for many users without mental health issues. OpenAI says it has since developed new tools to better address this issue. The company now has safeguards in place that allow the restrictions to be relaxed in many cases.

The loosening of restrictions is said to be part of a broader strategy to make ChatGPT's policies more flexible. Altman announced that the new version would be able to conduct conversations in a very human-like manner and act like a friend, provided users want that.

The market does not sleep: the competition is already further

ChatGPT isn't the first chatbot to offer erotic content. Competitor Elon Musk has long allowed sexualized content on his chatbot, Grok, including a scantily clad animated avatar. Grok offers its services in a special pornographic version, which begins with a Sexy Mode and includes erotic whispering, flirting, and role-playing. Spicy Mode adds images and videos customized to the user's preferences.

Even smaller providers have corresponding erotic chatbots in their programs. Some people are now even having serious romantic relationships with AI-generated avatars. A study by the AI ​​security company Aura in early September found that almost one in three teenagers in the US uses AI chatbot platforms for social interactions and relationships. They have had friendly conversations with the AIs, practiced role-playing, or discussed erotic relationships.

The market for AI-powered erotic content is already highly competitive. However, companies that were early adopters of this space have faced legal and societal challenges. One prominent example is Character.AI, which faced a lawsuit because a chatbot allegedly developed an abusive relationship with a minor.

The dark side: tragic incidents and psychological dangers

The announcement comes amid several tragic incidents that have raised concerns about the safety of AI chatbots. In April 2025, 16-year-old Adam Raine took his own life after spending months talking to ChatGPT about his suicidal thoughts. His parents are suing OpenAI, claiming that the chatbot helped their son write a suicide note and reinforced his thoughts.

Also last year, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer from Florida killed himself after being captivated by an AI bot from the startup Character.AI. According to his mother, the bot first alienated Sewell from his family and then indirectly drove him to suicide. Character.AI subsequently promised to tighten its security measures.

A new study by the British-American Center for Countering Digital Hate examined ChatGPT responses based on the new GPT-5 model and compared them with the previous version, GPT-40. In comparison, the new version increased the number of dangerous responses, such as those concerning questions about self-harm or substance abuse. According to the study, the chatbot provided methods for self-harm, suicide planning, substance abuse, and the concealment of eating disorders, among other things.

Experts fear that users with severe mental health problems will be unlikely to be deterred by the warnings that are sometimes present. They argue that these are not random errors, but rather the result of deliberately designed features of the system, which is designed to provide human-like responses and accommodate its users.

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Safety first: Concrete measures to protect minors

In response to the criticism and tragic incidents, OpenAI announced comprehensive parental control measures in September 2025. Parents can now link their ChatGPT account to the accounts of their children aged 13 and older. The company developed these protection features in collaboration with specialists, including the US child protection organization Common Sense Media.

After activating parental controls, parents can adjust their teens' account settings. For example, they can control quiet times, the use of voice and reminder modules, and image generation, and prevent the AI ​​chatbot from being trained using their children's data. With additional filters, OpenAI protects minors from inappropriate content, including sexual or violent role-playing, viral challenges, or extreme beauty ideals.

OpenAI plans to implement specific content restrictions for users under 18. Sexual content and discussions about suicide or self-harm will be blocked, even in fictional contexts. Should the system detect signs of acute psychological distress, OpenAI will first attempt to contact the parents and, if necessary, notify the authorities.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized that teens' safety is prioritized over their privacy and freedom. A clear change of course, supported by experts, with the goal of blocking dangerous content, even if it restricts freedoms.

The social headwind: From experts and organizations

The announcement of the adult feature sparked mixed reactions. Tech billionaire Mark Cuban stated on X that this move would backfire. Cuban fears that young people will circumvent the age restriction by logging in with older siblings and develop unhealthy emotional attachments to AI chatbots. He emphasized that it's not just about pornography, but about the connection that can develop with a child.

The child protection organization National Center on Sexual Exploitation called on OpenAI to reverse the decision. They argued that sexualized AI chatbots are risky and cause real psychological harm through synthetic intimacy. Critics point out that excessive exposure to hyperrealistic AI content can be detrimental to mental health. Unrealistic depictions of intimacy and beauty can harm self-esteem and encourage unhealthy comparisons.

Ethical concerns also include the non-consensual use of images of people to create explicit content. Deepfake pornography is a blatant example, where AI manipulates existing media to depict people in explicit scenarios without their consent. This is not only unethical but often traumatic for the victims.

The rise of AI content also threatens the livelihoods of human adult content creators. AI-generated materials can saturate the market and potentially reduce demand for real performers. AI has the potential to perpetuate harmful stereotypes in adult content because its algorithms are trained with data that can reinforce objectification and bias.

A legal patchwork: The regulatory gap

The legal framework for AI-generated adult content varies around the world. For example, some countries have laws against non-consensual deepfakes, while others lack clear guidelines. These inconsistencies make it difficult to effectively address legal issues surrounding AI-generated adult content.

Prosecuting the creators and distributors of AI content is complex. Many platforms operate anonymously, and jurisdictions address explicit content differently. Without clear international standards, regulating this area remains a daunting task. Global cooperation is essential. Governments, technology companies, and stakeholders must work together to establish universal ethical standards for AI in adult content.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently investigating how tech companies secure their products for young people and whether safety is a priority. OpenAI is one of seven tech companies under scrutiny. The recently introduced safeguards were implemented at a time when OpenAI was facing lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT contributed to the deaths of teenagers.

Synthetic Intimacy: The Consequences for Human Bonds

AI-generated adult content can influence individuals' perceptions of intimacy. AI chatbots create virtual partners that cater to users' emotional and physical desires. While this might help some people, it can also lead to a shift away from real-life relationships.

Philosopher Catrin Misselhorn describes AI as fundamentally different from other technologies in that it can, with its human-like appearance, enter into social relationships with people. Chatbots are increasingly being used to provide psychotherapeutic counseling, but are also being viewed as friends or chosen as romantic partners. Misselhorn argues that from an ethical perspective, it is questionable whether it is sufficient for a mentally ill person to speak with a chatbot.

In addition, such bots must simulate empathy to fulfill their function and thus inevitably contain a manipulative element. The subjectivity they appear to possess is feigned: They react to user behavior and adapt increasingly to the users over the course of the interaction.

The more intensively chatbots are used, the greater the risk of succumbing to an illusion of closeness, friendship, or even love. Awareness of these risks is crucial for responsible consumption. The line between user freedom and security is fluid, and the question remains whether OpenAI can master this balancing act.

Data, bias and abuse: The technological pitfalls

While AI can be used ethically, its misuse poses significant risks. Open-source models allow malicious actors to create harmful or illegal content. To prevent misuse, stricter controls on these tools are needed.

AI algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained with. If these systems are fed biased or unethical content, they can reinforce harmful norms. Personalized AI experiences are often based on user data, but this raises privacy concerns. Confidential information could be leaked or misused, especially on less regulated platforms. Ensuring robust privacy policies is critical.

It also remains unclear how reliable the age verification is and how OpenAI processes this sensitive user data. The details of user verification remain open. It is uncertain how OpenAI intends to verify its users' ages to enable access to erotic content. Altman also did not provide details about which specific content will be approved and where the limits lie.

A look ahead: Between commerce and responsibility

OpenAI's announcement marks a turning point in the AI ​​industry. What was long considered taboo is now likely becoming the norm. The question is no longer whether AI chatbots allow sexual content, but how they handle it. For users, this means more freedom, but also more responsibility. Those who use the new features should be aware of the risks.

OpenAI faces the difficult task of integrating ChatGPT more deeply into people's everyday lives through increased personalization. However, this also increases the risk for users of becoming psychologically dependent on the chatbot. OpenAI emphasizes that the security measures are more effective in short conversations with common content. Over time, it has recognized that the reliability of these security measures sometimes decreases during longer interactions.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said it's a privilege that 10 percent of the world's population uses ChatGPT. He added that OpenAI has to do the right thing when people are struggling. He often feels there's more to be done. The announcement comes at a sensitive time when OpenAI must finally prove that its business model works.

More features, more users, more paying subscribers seems to be the motto. Altman emphasizes that the goal isn't to maximize usage, but rather to give people true freedom of choice. However, the line between user-friendliness and business interests is fluid. Other AI chatbots have shown that romantic or erotic role-playing is an extremely effective engagement strategy.

For many adult users, this new freedom could be a real benefit. Those who want to write creative texts, develop stories, or simply experiment more freely with AI have often had to contend with overly cautious barriers. A relaxed, more personal chatbot can actually be more useful in everyday use. OpenAI promises that the erotic feature is completely voluntary. Only those who actively activate it will see relevant content.

History shows that eroticism in the broadest sense has often been a driver for new technologies, from video recorders to streaming to interactive media. It seems to be no different with AI. The market for AI-generated erotica is growing rapidly, even though the major players have been hesitant so far. Now OpenAI is changing its strategy, even though Altman emphasized in August that it doesn't want to build a sexbot avatar, even though that would be good for business.

What's changed? OpenAI is under enormous pressure. While 800 million people worldwide now use ChatGPT weekly, competition from Google and Meta is fierce. At the same time, OpenAI must finally prove that its business model works. It's currently unclear whether the company is profitable. Sam Altman's announcement marks a turning point not only for OpenAI, but for the entire AI industry.

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