OpenAI has introduced a new safety feature called Trusted Contact for its ChatGPT platform. The company announced the rollout on May 7. This update allows users to designate a trusted adult who will receive alerts if the system detects a serious mental health crisis.
Notifications undergo trained human review before being sent to the contact
The feature is available to users globally. Users can select only one adult contact for notifications. The contact must be over the age of 18, or over 19 in South Korea. OpenAI states that the system is designed to encourage connection with someone the user already trusts.
OpenAI emphasizes that this tool does not replace professional care or crisis services. Every notification undergoes trained human review before it is sent to the contact. The safety team aims to review these safety notifications in under one hour. ChatGPT will still encourage users to contact crisis hotlines or emergency services when appropriate.
The safety team explained that expert guidance identifies social connection as one of the most important protective factors to reduce suicide risk. They noted that while serious safety situations are rare, the systems are designed to support timely review and response. This feature serves as one of several layers of safeguards to support people in distress.
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