OpenAI Launches Crisis Alert System as Hundreds of Thousands Weekly Show Mental Health Distress Signs

OpenAI introduced Trusted Contact, allowing ChatGPT users to designate someone for notification when automated systems detect self-harm discussions. The feature supplements existing helpline resources and operates on personal accounts only, excluding shared workspaces. Internal company data reveals hundreds of thousands of weekly users exhibit possible mental health emergency indicators, prompting the intervention mechanism as legal pressure mounts from seven pending lawsuits.