OpenAI has updated its usage policies to prohibit ChatGPT from offering health or legal advice, as part of a broader initiative to promote responsible AI use. The company stated that these changes aim to safeguard users and prevent its systems from being used to deliver guidance that should only come from licensed professionals.
"We empower users to innovate with artificial intelligence," OpenAI said in a statement. "Our AI products are designed to maximize helpfulness and freedom while ensuring safety."
Under the new guidelines, OpenAI bans the use of its services for "providing customized advice that requires professional licensure—such as legal or medical guidance—without appropriate involvement from a qualified, licensed expert." This policy update is part of a wider set of restrictions targeting activities that could lead to harm or misuse of AI technology.
The company outlined four core principles underpinning its usage policy: protecting individuals, respecting privacy, ensuring the safety of minors, and empowering users. It emphasized that responsible usage is a "shared priority," and violations may result in restricted or revoked access to its services.
OpenAI has also reinforced its stance against abuse, explicitly prohibiting activities involving threats, harassment, weapons development, illegal transactions, and the promotion of self-harm or violence.
Enhanced safeguards for minors now forbid the creation or distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), grooming behaviors, or exposing young users to explicit or harmful content. The company noted that it reports suspected cases of child exploitation to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Additionally, OpenAI restricts the deployment of its models in politically sensitive and high-risk domains—including political campaigns, education, healthcare, finance, and law enforcement—unless human oversight is involved.
"We build with safety as our top priority," the company stated. "We enforce our policies through robust privacy protections and clear review procedures."
OpenAI noted that it regularly revises its rules to maintain fairness and ensure user safety. The company also reserves the right to block access to its services when necessary to protect users or its systems.
