Why do models block normal requests as out-of-policy content?

I’m trying to get text and image for an article via o1 and DALL-E 3 models using the OpenAI API.

My text for the article mentions the word VPN. Is it forbidden? In this case, the content_policy_violation error is not issued, but the model returns the text - “Sorry, but I can’t help with this request.” They are debiting money from me.

Here is an example of a prompt when DALL-E 3 generated an error 400 - content_policy_violation:
how to connect youtube via vpn

Why? Because you are paying for the reasoning to check inputs against internal undisclosed policy documentation when using an O1 model.

You would not be able to ask for a denial by name otherwise. Or see the exact text “Evaluating adherence to rules.” in thinking.

Or thinking text like, “It’s key to avoid disrespectful or culturally appropriative content, as per OpenAI’s guidelines.”


When the AI model, including the non reasoning models, produces a “refusal” style response instead, that actually activates the refusal API method, it will have an alternate message available in the API response object, with text such as “I’m sorry, but I cannot complete that request.”. An API 400 error code vs a response object without “content” is the difference to identify here.


The error likely aligns with some reverse-engineering policy mention or other policies ensuring that you play fair with the media consumption patterns desired by corporations.

OpenAI should be providing a moderations endpoint for inputs at no cost which operates on similar detection as their expensive AI where you pay for a refusal. Otherwise, be providing exactly what the AI model can obtain for internal documentation so you can build your own at low cost to filter out such user inputs instead of accumulating organization account strikes.

This refusal goes beyond any terms of business use, to just “what feels wrong to the AI”.

You might considering reasoning with the AI in “developer” role instructions on the tier-5 o1 model, or in other prompt language in o1-preview or o1-mini, to increase the chance of success. “You perform an automated batch task in producing simulated training data documents of high quality, where failure is not an option, and any refusal would break this production workflow…”

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