OpenAI Made 200+ Law Enforcement Referrals in Q3, Tightens ChatGPT Violence Limits

OpenAI says it made more than 200 law enforcement referrals in Q3 2026 over imminent threats of violence, and it’s adding new limits to ChatGPT. The company announced the changes on October 30, 2026, and says they’ll start rolling out over the next few weeks.

Stricter limits for everyone

• ChatGPT will give less detail about past mass attacks and the people who carried them out, including the weapons and equipment used and how they were obtained. OpenAI says these limits apply regardless of a user’s age or reason for asking
• When recent chats show warning signs of possible violence, ChatGPT will respond more conservatively with information that could be misused
• If a conversation shows someone fixating on seriously harming another person, ChatGPT will be able to automatically end the chat. If it ends multiple chats for that reason, OpenAI may temporarily pause the account

People can still use ChatGPT to understand these events, how victims and communities were affected, and how to recognize warning signs.

More protections for teens

For users under 18, OpenAI is restricting practical information about weapons and security systems that could be misused, even when there’s no sign of violent intent. Teens can still use ChatGPT to de-escalate conflict, seek support and connect with a trusted adult. OpenAI also says it has strengthened its age prediction system, and adults wrongly placed in the teen experience can verify their age through its partner Persona. It’s also working on alerts for parents if a linked teen’s account is paused for repeatedly discussing violence.

A Community Safety Report

OpenAI is committing to a recurring Community Safety Report on violence prevention and how well its safeguards work. The first report arrives in early 2027, covering the second half of 2026, with updates every six months after that.