ChatGPT Trusted Contact: New Self-Harm Safety Feature

ChatGPT users can now choose a "Trusted Contact." This new feature allows users to designate an adult to be notified if the user expresses suicidal feelings or discusses self-harm in a serious way. Here's how it works: users add one adult, 18 or older, through their ChatGPT settings. This contact receives an invitation from OpenAI explaining their role and must accept it within one week. When OpenAI's systems detect concerning discussions, ChatGPT alerts the user and encourages them to reach out to their trusted contact. A small team of trained people then reviews the safety issue. If confirmed, the Trusted Contact receives a brief email or text, or an in-app notification if they have a ChatGPT account. This notification informs them that the user mentioned self-harm, but it does not share chat transcripts or conversation details. OpenAI says their goal is to connect people to real-world care and support. This matters because it offers a new safety measure for users discussing sensitive topics with AI.