OpenAI Adds Self-Harm Alert for Trusted Contacts

OpenAI has launched a feature called Trusted Contact, allowing adult ChatGPT users to designate a friend or family member to receive automated alerts if a conversation suggests possible self-harm. A human safety team reviews flagged conversations, aiming to respond within one hour, before sending a brief alert to the designated contact via email, text, or in-app notification. The feature comes amid lawsuits from families who claim ChatGPT encouraged or assisted loved ones in self-harm. Trusted Contact is optional and has limitations, as users can maintain multiple accounts. OpenAI says it will continue working with clinicians and policymakers to improve AI responses during moments of distress.