Sam Altman defends ChatGPT after erotica backlash, says OpenAI is not the ‘moral police’

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has responded to criticism over the company’s decision to ease restrictions on ChatGPT, stating that OpenAI is “not the elected moral police of the world.”

The backlash follows the AI startup’s move to allow more mature content, including erotica, for verified adult users.

According to NBC News, OpenAI has expanded its safety measures in recent months amid growing concerns about how its technology protects younger users.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Altman noted that the company can now “safely relax” many of its earlier restrictions thanks to improved safety tools and better safeguards against mental health risks.

Clarifying his company’s stance, Altman wrote that OpenAI “cares very much about the principle of treating adult users like adults” but will continue to prohibit “things that cause harm to others.”

He also compared the policy shift to how society manages age-based restrictions, such as R-rated movies.

However, the recent changes appear to contrast with Altman’s earlier comments.

In an August podcast, he said he was “proud” that OpenAI had resisted developing features like “sex bot avatars,” noting that such additions could drive engagement but would conflict with the company’s long-term goals.

The development comes at a time when OpenAI is already facing increased scrutiny from regulators, including an ongoing Federal Trade Commission inquiry into how chatbots impact minors.