Some individuals using the ChatGPT service are now facing the requirement to verify their identity via passport to use the platform.
According to information, if the service suspects a user is under 18 years of age, it asks them to verify their personal information using a passport. Until the verification is passed, the ability to discuss topics marked "for adults only" is restricted.
Interestingly, in some cases, this requirement is even being applied to older users. For example, one 30-year-old user also reported being asked for verification by the platform.
OpenAI confirmed that this feature is being rolled out gradually and is currently operating in a testing mode primarily in English-speaking regions. According to the company, the main goal of the new feature is to enforce age restrictions and strengthen the protection of minors from potentially inappropriate content.
At the same time, OpenAI specifically emphasized that the processing of passport data is carried out securely: data is encrypted, used solely for age verification, and documents are not stored in an open format.
The online audience, however, is expressing mixed reactions to the new feature. While some support the initiative as a step towards ensuring digital security and compliance with global regulations, others criticize the mechanism for sometimes working incorrectly, pointing out that even adults are facing unjustified restrictions.
According to OpenAI's addition, the current age verification system is in a testing phase. The company is analyzing user feedback and exploring other possibilities for age verification—such as methods involving bank cards or electronic digital identifiers.
This means the platform's new policy is currently implemented as an experiment, and changes and updates could be introduced to it in the future.
