Source URL: https://simonwillison.net/2025/Sep/28/nick-turley/#atom-everything
Source: Simon Willison’s Weblog
Title: Quoting Nick Turley
Feedly Summary: We’ve seen the strong reactions to 4o responses and want to explain what is happening.
We’ve started testing a new safety routing system in ChatGPT.
As we previously mentioned, when conversations touch on sensitive and emotional topics the system may switch mid-chat to a reasoning model or GPT-5 designed to handle these contexts with extra care. This is similar to how we route conversations that require extra thinking to our reasoning models; our goal is to always deliver answers aligned with our Model Spec.
Routing happens on a per-message basis; switching from the default model happens on a temporary basis. ChatGPT will tell you which model is active when asked.
— Nick Turley, Head of ChatGPT, OpenAI
Tags: generative-ai, openai, chatgpt, ai, llms, nick-turley
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses a new safety routing system being tested in ChatGPT, which is intended to manage conversations around sensitive and emotional topics more effectively. This approach enhances the AI’s ability to provide suitable responses by temporarily switching to a specialized reasoning model when needed.
Detailed Description:
– OpenAI is introducing an innovative feature in ChatGPT aimed at improving user interactions around sensitive and emotional subjects. The initiative reflects a growing concern within AI development regarding the ability of models to engage responsibly in complex discussions.
– Key aspects of the new routing system include:
– **Model Switching**: The system will switch between different AI models on a per-message basis, allowing for more tailored responses based on the context of the conversation.
– **Specialized Models**: For sensitive topics, ChatGPT may automatically transition to a reasoning-oriented model or a more advanced version (GPT-5) that is specifically designed to handle complex emotional discourse.
– **User Awareness**: To maintain transparency, ChatGPT will inform users which model is currently active during conversations.
– Insights for Professionals:
– **AI Security and Compliance**: This feature is vital for ensuring that AI interactions adhere to ethical standards and do not inadvertently escalate sensitive discussions. It reflects a step towards implementing responsible AI governance.
– **User Trust and Safety**: Enhancing how AI handles sensitive topics can significantly increase user trust, vital for the broad acceptance and deployment of AI technologies in various sectors, including healthcare and customer support.
– **Innovation in AI Development**: This routing system signals a shift towards more dynamic AI models that can adapt in real-time, which can inspire further enhancements in AI systems across industries.
Overall, this feature underlines the importance of developing AI with a focus on safety, emotional intelligence, and ethical responsibility—a critical aspect for professionals involved in AI security and governance.