OpenAI has detailed how its age prediction system in ChatGPT works. The San Francisco-based company introduced the system earlier this year to add protection for younger users. A dedicated AI model estimates whether an account likely belongs to someone under 18. Instead of relying only on the date of birth given at sign-up, the system looks at behavioral and account-level signals. These include the topics a user discusses, typical times of use, usage patterns over time and how long the account has existed. OpenAI says the system does not replace the stated date of birth. It works as an extra safety layer. If an account is identified as belonging to someone under 18, ChatGPT switches it to the ChatGPT for Teens experience, where some features and interactions are restricted. Users can check the age category on their account under Settings, then Account, then Age. It shows whether ChatGPT treats the account as under 18 or 18 and older.