OpenAI is launching an optional safety feature for ChatGPT, allowing adult users to designate an emergency contact for mental health and safety. Friends, family members, or caregivers designated as “Trusted Contacts” will be notified if OpenAI detects that an individual may have discussed topics like self-harm or suicide on ChatGPT.
OpenAI said in announcement : 'Trusted Contact is designed around a simple, scientifically validated principle: when someone may be in crisis, connecting with someone they know and trust can make a significant difference.'
It offers an additional level of support alongside thelocal helplines already available on ChatGPT.
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ChatGPT: How does the Trusted Contact feature work?
The Trusted Contact is optional. Any adult ChatGPT user can enable it by adding contact information for another adult (18+ worldwide or 19+ in South Korea) in their ChatGPT account settings. The Trusted Contact must accept the invitation within one week of receiving the request. Users can remove or edit the selected contact in settings, and the Trusted Contact can also choose to be removed at any time.
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OpenAI says the notification is "intentionally limited" and will not share conversation details or transcripts with the Trusted Contact. If OpenAI's automated systems detect that a user is talking about harming themselves, ChatGPT will encourage the user to contact the Trusted Contact for help and will inform them that the contact may be notified.
A 'small team of specially trained individuals' will review the situation and ChatGPT will send a short email, text message or in-app notification to the Trusted Contact (if the conversation indicates serious security concerns).
This builds on the emergency contact feature that was introduced alongside parental controls in September, following the suicide of a 16-year-old who had trusted ChatGPT for months.
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The new Trusted Contact feature is an important step towards strengthening the safety and responsible use of AI, recognizing that technology can complement — but not replace — human support. The ability to connect a user with a trusted person in potentially critical moments reflects a broader effort to create more protective digital environments, particularly when conversations touch on sensitive mental health issues.
At the same time, the implementation of such tools highlights the challenges that accompany balancing user protection, privacy and responsible intervention. As artificial intelligence platforms assume an increasingly central role in everyday communication, initiatives like this may shape new standards for how technology can meaningfully support human well-being with care, transparency and respect for personal data.
