OpenAI has indefinitely paused plans to develop an “erotic” mode for its ChatGPT chatbot, according to a Thursday report by the Financial Times.
This decision marks part of a broader strategic shift by OpenAI to consolidate its focus on business users and coders, deprioritizing other projects.
The proposed “adult mode” was first suggested by CEO Sam Altman in October and generated controversy among tech watchdog groups and OpenAI staff. In January, an adviser warned the company could be developing a “sexy suicide coach,” The Wall Street Journal previously reported.
An OpenAI spokesperson told TechCrunch the company had “nothing further to add” regarding the feature’s release timeline.
The abandonment of the erotic mode follows other recent project adjustments. On Tuesday, OpenAI deprioritized “Instant Checkout,” a ChatGPT feature enabling e-commerce purchases. On Wednesday, the company announced the shutdown of Sora, its AI video generator, which critics had associated with “AI slop.”
These changes align with a “major strategy shift” reported by The Wall Street Journal approximately a week prior, aiming to pivot OpenAI away from non-core activities.
The company’s refocus comes amid competitive pressure from Anthropic, which has released business and coding tools. OpenAI recently secured a $200 million agreement with the Department of Defense, while Anthropic is engaged in a legal dispute with the agency.
