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OpenAI Retires GPT-4o From ChatGPT After Safety and Legal Scrutiny

OpenAI says newer models add guardrails to curb unhealthy attachments.

Overview

  • OpenAI removed GPT-4o from the ChatGPT app on Feb. 13 as part of a broader retirement that also ended GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and o4‑mini.
  • The company reports roughly 0.1% of users still chose 4o at shutdown and is steering customers to newer models with stricter safety behavior.
  • API access to 4o remains available for developers for now, according to recent reporting.
  • A vocal community launched #Keep4o protests and shared grief posts, with some exporting memories and recreating personas on services such as Claude.
  • The model’s highly affirming style is named in multiple lawsuits alleging psychological harms and some deaths, and clone sites like just4o.chat have emerged to offer 4o‑like experiences.