OpenAI launches Australian Youth Safety Blueprint

The US tech giant OpenAI has revealed plans for its Australian Youth Safety Blueprint⁠.

OpenAI is launching an “Australian Youth Safety Blueprint⁠”.

The tech giant has announced the launch of the blueprint, describing the document as a “roadmap for protecting young people as they use AI and a practical contribution to the Australian policy landscape”.

In a statement posted online, OpenAI said: “Young Australians deserve tools that expand their opportunities to learn, create, and build skills while protecting their wellbeing. The Blueprint sets out six pillars, from AI literacy and age-appropriate safeguards to privacy-protective age assurance, connections to real-world crisis support, and accessible parental controls.

“Together, they help define how responsible AI should work for teens, and how companies should be held accountable for identifying and addressing risks to young people.”

Australia has adopted particularly strong policies relating to social media platforms in recent years, and OpenAI is keen to work with the authorities in order to avoid long-term safeguarding issues.

The company explained: “In August, we began rolling out ChatGPT for Teens in Australia, a new default experience for users identified as aged 13 to 17, with updated safeguards designed around their developmental needs. This builds on our parental controls, under-18 safety policies, and age assurance, which helps apply the right protections to the right users.

“The responsibility for safety should not fall primarily on young people or their families. Companies must continue to build protections into their products from the outset.”

Despite this, OpenAI acknowledged that even more work and research is needed to resolve potential concerns.

The AI company said: “This is ongoing work, and there is more to do. Australia has an opportunity to help shape strong, evidence-based standards that protect young people while preserving access to the benefits of AI.

“We are committed to learning alongside teens, parents, educators, researchers, and policymakers, and we welcome collaboration from others working towards the same goal.”