ChatGPT's New 'Trusted Contact' Aims to Help Users in Crisis

OpenAI has launched a new 'Trusted Contact' feature for ChatGPT to assist users during difficult conversations. The tool allows people to nominate a friend or family member who can be notified if the system detects signs of distress. This move follows collaboration with mental health professionals and researchers to improve user safety.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is facing legal challenges, with Ziff Davis—parent company of Lifehacker—filing a copyright infringement lawsuit against the AI firm.

The Trusted Contact feature works by letting users invite someone they trust to receive alerts. The chosen contact must accept the invitation before any connection is established. If ChatGPT identifies potential self-harm in a conversation, it will prompt the user to reach out to their designated person.

Notifications sent to the Trusted Contact will remain limited. They won’t include chat transcripts, summaries, or specific details. Instead, after a human review—targeted to take under an hour—the system may send a general message about the situation. OpenAI developed the feature with input from clinicians, researchers, and mental health organisations. The goal is to provide a voluntary support system for users who share sensitive thoughts with the AI. Participation requires both the user and their contact to opt in actively. The announcement comes as OpenAI deals with legal pressure. Ziff Davis has accused the company of using copyrighted material without permission to train and run its AI models. The lawsuit adds to ongoing debates about data usage in artificial intelligence development.

The Trusted Contact feature offers an extra layer of support for ChatGPT users in crisis. OpenAI has stressed that the system is optional and designed to encourage real-world connections during difficult moments. The company continues to face scrutiny over its data practices, with the recent lawsuit highlighting broader industry concerns.