ChatGPT Adds Emergency Contact Feature as 33 Deaths Pile Up OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Trusted Contact for ChatGPT, designed to alert designated individuals when the system detects conversations about serious self-harm. The rollout, announced on Wednesday, allows adult users aged 18 or older to opt in and select a trusted contact. This feature expands on the parental controls launched in September 2025, which enabled parents to monitor their teens’ accounts. The Trusted Contact system aims to provide an additional layer of support for users in distress. The process for setting up Trusted Contact involves users adding an adult as their designated contact. The contact receives an invitation explaining the setup and has a week to accept. If they agree, the user can then choose another person to notify in case of flagged conversations. When automated monitoring identifies potential self-harm discussions, ChatGPT alerts the user and suggests ways to seek help. A team of human reviewers then evaluates the conversation. If they confirm it involves serious self-harm, a short alert is sent to the contact via email, text, or in-app notification. The alert includes a general reason for the alert and a link to guidance on discussing difficult situations. OpenAI claims the human review process typically concludes within an hour. Users can update or remove their Trusted Contact at any time, and the contact can also opt out if they choose. The feature does not replace crisis hotlines, and ChatGPT continues to provide local emergency numbers and direct users to professional services during acute distress. OpenAI emphasized its commitment to collaborating with clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to refine how AI systems respond to users in crisis.#chatgpt #openai #trusted_contact #llmdeathcount #dr_munmun_de_choudhury
