Sam Altman wants to ‘treat adults like adults’ just as OpenAI grows faster than ever, raising questions about the cost of commercializing desire.
Last month, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on X that the company would relax many restrictions on ChatGPT, after years of limiting the chatbot’s behaviour on sensitive topics. One such example that Altman outlined stands out: “In December … we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults.”
The post drew mixed reactions. In a follow-up, Altman framed the decision as a broader principle. “We are not the elected moral police of the world,” he said. “Without being paternalistic we will attempt to help users achieve their long-term goals.”
While this sounds like a philosophical stand to let …
Bhuvana Sri graduated from TISS with an MA in Media and Cultural Studies. She also has a master's in English Literature. She has had stints in publishing houses, museums and arts & culture organisations in Chennai and Bengaluru.
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