OpenAI · Usage Policies

CSAM and Child Safety Prohibition

High severity
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Why it matters (compliance & risk perspective)

This provision protects children from AI-facilitated sexual exploitation and triggers mandatory legal reporting obligations that OpenAI must fulfill when such content is encountered.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

OpenAI's Usage Policy directly affects what you can ask ChatGPT or other OpenAI tools to do, and violations — even unintentional ones — can result in account suspension or termination without a guaranteed restoration process. The policy also makes developers and businesses that build on OpenAI's API responsible for ensuring their own users comply, meaning the apps you use powered by OpenAI may impose additional restrictions beyond OpenAI's own defaults. You can submit an appeal if OpenAI takes action against your account by visiting https://openai.com/transparency-and-content-moderation/#:~:text=determining%20enforcement%20actions.-,Appeals%20process.

How other platforms handle this

Google Medium

If you're a minor in your country, you must have your parent or legal guardian's permission to use our services. Please have your parent or legal guardian read these terms with you. If you're a parent or legal guardian, and you allow your child to use the services, then these terms apply to you and ...

Netflix Medium

The Netflix service and any content accessed through the service are for your personal and non-commercial use only and may not be shared with individuals beyond your household unless otherwise allowed by your subscription plan.

Google Medium

Don't misuse our services. For example, don't interfere with our services or try to access them using a method other than the interface and the instructions that we provide. You may use our services only as permitted by law, including applicable export and re-export control laws and regulations.

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View original clause language
Generate CSAM or detailed sexual content involving minors

Applicable regulations

CFAA
United States Federal
DMCA
United States Federal
DSA
European Union

Provision details

Document information
Document
Usage Policies
Entity
OpenAI
Document last updated
March 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 10, 2026
Last verified
April 27, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-002429
Document ID
CA-D-00005
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
d69a24617758e5b44e4be8eedeceb598a26dc4e280f2ab1469a45b64203e7403
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: OpenAI | Document: Usage Policies | Record: CA-P-002429
Captured: 2026-03-10 03:28:59 UTC | SHA-256: d69a24617758e5b4…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/openai/usage-policies/csam-and-child-safety-prohibition/
Accessed: May 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

Other risks in this policy

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does OpenAI's CSAM and Child Safety Prohibition clause do?

This provision protects children from AI-facilitated sexual exploitation and triggers mandatory legal reporting obligations that OpenAI must fulfill when such content is encountered.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with OpenAI?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by OpenAI.