ChatGPT (OpenAI): age checks in the UK
Age prediction from behaviour, then a Persona selfie or ID check for flagged accounts and adult mode. EU rollout January and August 2026; UK date not stated.
Age check for some content or features AI chat OpenAI verified 6 September 2026
Facts panel
Everything here is what the service, its vendor or a regulator has published, with the source and the date we read it. No adjectives.
- Domain
- chatgpt.com
- Age check
- Age check for some content or features, first recorded 21 January 2026
- Triggered by
- age estimated from account signals only; specific features
- Applies to
- accounts the service flags
- Notes
- OpenAI help page returned 403.
- Methods
- Face scanPhoto ID
- Vendor
- Persona; in-house or unnamed for
- Last verified
- 6 September 2026
Methods and retention, one row per method
| Method | Provider | Retention, as published | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facial age estimation (face scan) | Persona |
No published retention period found (checked 6 September 2026). Notes: Indexed help text: Persona "deletes your uploaded ID or selfie within 7 days"; OpenAI receives DOB or age only. |
help.openai.com Secondary source (press) · checked 6 September 2026 |
| Photo ID | Persona |
No published retention period found (checked 6 September 2026). |
help.openai.com Secondary source (press) · checked 6 September 2026 |
Every method row for this service rests on press reporting rather than the service's own page. The service's own wording has not been read yet; see the points still being verified.
What you will see
- What happens
- If ChatGPT predicts you are under 18, some features are limited until you verify with Persona.
- How long it takes
- Not stated by the service.
- If you decline
- Limits stay on.
- Official help page
- help.openai.com
Questions people ask about ChatGPT
Does ChatGPT require age verification in the UK?
For some content or features. As of 6 September 2026, ChatGPT asks UK users to complete an age check for specific features, applying to accounts the service flags. First recorded 21 January 2026.
Is the ChatGPT age check a face scan?
A face scan (facial age estimation) is one of 2 recorded methods: Facial age estimation (face scan) and Photo ID. Provider named: Persona. Which methods a service offers can change; the date each was checked is shown on the page.
What does ChatGPT keep after the age check?
Facial age estimation (face scan) via Persona: No published retention period found (checked 6 September 2026). Photo ID via Persona: No published retention period found (checked 6 September 2026).
What if the ChatGPT age check is not working?
This site records what the service publishes; it does not troubleshoot or offer workarounds. ChatGPT's own help page is https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12652064-age-prediction-in-chatgpt. The service lists 2 methods, so a second method may be offered if one fails: Facial age estimation (face scan) and Photo ID. If you do not complete the check, the service states: Limits stay on.
Regulator actions
No Ofcom or ICO action naming this service is recorded as of 6 September 2026.
Sources for this entry
- Silicon Republic press 2026
Changes to this record
- — seed: record created from research/01 and research/02 seed
Correct this entry
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