OpenAI Introduces 'Trusted Contact': A Personal Safety Net for ChatGPT Users

Strengthening Trust Through Human Connection

As AI becomes an increasingly personal part of daily life, OpenAI has officially launched Trusted Contact. This optional safety feature allows adult users to designate a close individual—such as a friend, family member, or caregiver—who can receive an alert if the platform identifies conversations related to severe mental health risks or self-harm.

• How It Works: Users can nominate one adult from their settings. Once the individual accepts the invitation, they become a designated safety contact.
• Intervention Process: If ChatGPT detects high-risk interactions, it first encourages the user to reach out directly. Following a manual assessment by trained human reviewers, an alert is sent if a genuine crisis is confirmed.
• Privacy First: The alert sent to a Trusted Contact contains only a general reason for concern and professional resources; it never includes chat transcripts or private history.

The Strategic Shift Toward Proactive Safety

The introduction of Trusted Contact is more than just a feature update; it reflects a profound strategic pivot in how AI companies address "emotional reliance." As Large Language Models (LLMs) increasingly serve as confidants or companions for millions, developers' responsibilities must evolve beyond simple content filtering to establishing real-world safety nets.

This move also positions OpenAI at the forefront of AI ethics and governance. By integrating automated monitoring with human oversight, the company is proactively mitigating mental health-related risks that have long scrutinized the AI industry. It is a calculated step to build long-term trust with regulators and the global community in an era where the lines between AI interaction and human empathy continue to blur.

Source: Introducing Trusted Contact in ChatGPT - OpenAI