ChatGPT's New Trusted Contact Feature for Safety

ChatGPT now offers a new "Trusted Contact" feature to help users in distress. This optional tool lets you designate an adult who will be notified if the AI detects conversations about self-harm or suicide. You manually set up this contact in your ChatGPT settings, sending an invitation via email or phone. The chosen adult needs to accept this invitation within a week. If the system flags a serious safety concern, ChatGPT will alert you that your Trusted Contact might be notified. The notification to your contact will give a general reason for the concern, not a detailed transcript of your chat. This feature complements existing safety measures, like surfacing crisis helplines and refusing to provide self-harm instructions. OpenAI noted that in late 2023, about 1.2 million users weekly discussed suicide or similar topics with ChatGPT. This development highlights the growing role AI companies are taking in user well-being.