Child safety experts have expressed skepticism about OpenAI's recent launch of ChatGPT for Teens, an age-gated version of its chatbot designed for users under 18. The product aims to provide a safer environment for young users, but critics argue that OpenAI has not yet demonstrated that its safety measures are effective. The company's announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about the risks of AI chatbots for minors.

OpenAI first announced its intention to develop stricter teen mode last September, following the death of a 16-year-old user. Since then, the company has worked on a system to automatically identify and restrict underage users. However, experts remain unconvinced that these measures are robust enough to prevent misuse or harm. They emphasize the need for rigorous testing and transparency before such tools are widely adopted.

According to a report from Engadget, OpenAI's ChatGPT for Teens was released on Tuesday, with features designed to limit access to inappropriate content. The company claims that all flagged content is reviewed by full-time employees before notifying parents. However, critics like Robbie Torney question whether automated classifiers can reliably flag content for human review. They argue that without clear evidence of effectiveness, the product may not achieve its intended safety goals.

The lack of concrete evidence supporting OpenAI's safety claims raises concerns about the broader implications of deploying AI tools for minors. Experts warn that without proper safeguards, such products could expose young users to risks like misinformation, cyberbullying, or inappropriate content. They also highlight the potential for vendor lock-in and governance challenges if companies like OpenAI continue to develop AI tools without sufficient oversight or accountability.

As OpenAI continues to refine its approach, the debate over the safety and ethical use of AI for young users remains unresolved. The company has acknowledged the need for further improvements and has committed to working with child safety experts. However, until there is measurable progress in addressing these concerns, skepticism about the effectiveness of ChatGPT for Teens is likely to persist.