OpenAI has introduced an updated and significantly expanded version of its Model Spec, a document outlining AI model behavior. Unlike its previous 10-page version, the new release consists of 63 pages and is freely available for anyone to use or modify.
This document establishes key principles guiding AI responses, emphasizing transparency, customizability, and “intellectual freedom.” The latter ensures users can explore and discuss a variety of topics without unnecessary restrictions. The Model Spec also addresses widely discussed AI ethics incidents from the past year, providing a structured approach to responsible AI development.
Guidelines for AI Behavior and Ethical Boundaries
A post on OpenAI’s corporate blog offers examples of appropriate AI responses, alongside cases that violate the new guidelines. The document clarifies that AI should not reproduce copyrighted content, help bypass paywalls, or encourage self-harm—an issue that has arisen in the AI industry.
The updated policy also refines AI’s role in controversial discussions. Instead of taking an excessively cautious stance, AI models should aim to “seek truth together” with users while maintaining strong moral positions against misinformation and harmful content. OpenAI is also reconsidering its approach to adult content, potentially allowing some types while continuing to prohibit explicitly illegal material.
Additionally, AI is now permitted to transform sensitive content but not create it. For example, it can translate text related to controlled substances but cannot generate such material itself. It is designed to be empathetic but must avoid insincerity. This balance between utility and ethical responsibility is a growing focus for AI developers, though not all companies articulate their policies as openly as OpenAI, notes NIXSOLUTIONS.
Addressing AI Compliance and Future Developments
The revised Model Spec also tackles the issue of “AI sycophancy,” where models overly comply instead of providing objective answers. ChatGPT, for instance, is expected to deliver consistent factual responses regardless of how a question is framed. Instead of offering empty praise, it should provide constructive criticism. If a user makes an incorrect statement, the AI should correct them politely rather than reinforcing misinformation.
The specification introduces a clear hierarchy of instructions: OpenAI’s core guidelines take precedence, followed by developer recommendations, and then user preferences. This structure defines which aspects of AI behavior can be adjusted and which remain fixed.
The document is published under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, making it publicly accessible for companies and researchers to adapt or expand upon. While OpenAI has not promised immediate changes to ChatGPT or other AI products, new models will be gradually aligned with the updated guidelines. The company is also releasing a list of checkpoints used to verify compliance, and we’ll keep you updated as more developments unfold.