OpenAI Adds Trusted Contact Safety Feature to ChatGPT for Self-Harm Risk Notifications

OpenAI is introducing Trusted Contact, a new safety feature in ChatGPT that users can choose to activate. It lets adult users designate someone to be notified if the system or reviewers notice signs of serious self-harm risk during conversations. The feature is available to users aged 18 or older worldwide, and 19 or older in South Korea.

Trusted Contact expands on the existing parental controls and safety notifications for linked teen accounts and offers a similar option for all adult users on an opt-in basis.

How ChatGPT’s Trusted Contact Feature Works

The feature involves several steps before it becomes active:

1. The user adds an adult as a Trusted Contact through ChatGPT settings.
2. The nominated contact receives an invitation explaining the role and must accept within one week.
3. If the contact declines, the user has the option to nominate a different adult.
4. When automated monitoring detects a potential serious self-harm concern, ChatGPT notifies the user that the Trusted Contact may be informed and offers conversation starters for reaching out.
5. A small team of trained reviewers assesses the situation before any notification is sent.
6. If reviewers determine there is a serious safety concern, ChatGPT sends the Trusted Contact a brief notification via email, text message, or in-app alert if they have a ChatGPT account.

OpenAI states that the company aims to review safety notifications within one hour. Users can update or remove their Trusted Contact at any time, and Trusted Contacts can also remove themselves through the help center.

What ChatGPT Shares With a Trusted Contact and How It Fits Into OpenAI’s Safety System

Notifications are intentionally limited. They briefly explain why self-harm was mentioned in a potentially concerning way, encourage checking in with the user, and provide a link to expert guidance on handling sensitive topics. Chat details and transcripts are not shared with the Trusted Contact, even when a notification is sent.

Trusted Contact adds an extra layer of protection alongside existing safeguards rather than replacing them. ChatGPT still encourages users to reach out to emergency services, crisis helplines, or mental health professionals when needed. The system is designed to refuse requests related to suicide or self-harm and to guide users toward local crisis resources.

OpenAI says the feature was developed with feedback from its Global Physicians Network, which includes more than 260 licensed doctors across 60 countries, as well as its Expert Council on Well-Being and AI and external organizations such as the American Psychological Association.

Trusted Contact is being introduced gradually, and OpenAI has not announced when all eligible accounts will gain access.

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