OpenAI has indefinitely put on hold plans for a sexually explicit chatbot, citing concerns over societal and reputational risks.
The project, internally called “Citron mode,” had faced pushback from both employees and investors. Staff questioned whether it aligned with OpenAI’s mission to ensure AI benefits humanity, while investors were wary of the reputational consequences compared to potential commercial gains.
OpenAI told the Financial Times it intends to conduct long-term research on the effects of sexually explicit conversations and emotional attachments before moving forward. The company had previously indicated plans to allow erotic content for verified adult users under a principle to “treat adult users like adults.”
The decision comes alongside OpenAI winding down its Sora video social media app, which had been criticized for generating low-value AI content. The move also occurs amid heightened scrutiny of AI platforms, including investigations by the US Federal Trade Commission into potential harms to minors. In the past, Elon Musk’s AI venture xAI faced criticism after its Grok chatbot was used to create fabricated sexual images of real people, including children. OpenAI has also faced legal challenges from families alleging ChatGPT caused harm or contributed to teen suicides, prompting the company to introduce an age-verification system that uses behavior-based age prediction technology.
OpenAI has stated it has nothing further to add regarding the suspended explicit content feature.
