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OpenAI has delayed the full public release of its latest frontier AI model, GPT-5.6, at the request of the U.S. government, limiting initial access to a small group of vetted partners while federal authorities review the technology's potential national security implications.
The company said the move is a temporary measure as it works with the U.S. administration to establish a broader framework for launching advanced AI models. OpenAI added that it shared details of the initial partner group with the government before granting access.
The decision reflects growing efforts by Washington to introduce oversight for frontier AI models amid concerns that increasingly capable systems could be misused for cyberattacks, military applications or other national security threats.
OpenAI said it briefed the government on GPT-5.6 and its capabilities before the limited rollout.
"We are taking this short-term step because we believe it is the strongest path to broader availability in the coming weeks, while we work with the Administration to develop the cyber Executive Order framework and a repeatable process for future model releases," the company said in a blog post.
CEO Sam Altman also commented on the decision, writing on X that extensive safety testing "is not a bad idea," but added that he did not support the government deciding which customers receive early access.
The limited release follows a U.S. executive order signed earlier this month that establishes a voluntary process under which developers of certain frontier AI models can provide the government with access to their systems for up to 30 days before making them available to trusted partners.
OpenAI said it will continue safety testing and work closely with its early-access partners before expanding availability. However, the company cautioned that it does not believe this level of government oversight should become a permanent requirement for future AI model releases.
The company also warned that prolonged restrictions could limit access to advanced AI capabilities for developers, businesses, cybersecurity professionals and international customers that could benefit from the technology.
The new model family is led by GPT-5.6 Sol, OpenAI's most advanced model to date, alongside mid-tier model Terra and lower-cost model Luna.
The announcement comes weeks after the U.S. government ordered Anthropic to suspend access to some of its frontier AI models for foreign nationals over national security concerns, triggering an ongoing dispute between the company and federal authorities.
Both OpenAI and Anthropic have confidentially filed paperwork for U.S. initial public offerings, according to the report.
The company said the move is a temporary measure as it works with the U.S. administration to establish a broader framework for launching advanced AI models. OpenAI added that it shared details of the initial partner group with the government before granting access.
The decision reflects growing efforts by Washington to introduce oversight for frontier AI models amid concerns that increasingly capable systems could be misused for cyberattacks, military applications or other national security threats.
OpenAI said it briefed the government on GPT-5.6 and its capabilities before the limited rollout.
"We are taking this short-term step because we believe it is the strongest path to broader availability in the coming weeks, while we work with the Administration to develop the cyber Executive Order framework and a repeatable process for future model releases," the company said in a blog post.
CEO Sam Altman also commented on the decision, writing on X that extensive safety testing "is not a bad idea," but added that he did not support the government deciding which customers receive early access.
The limited release follows a U.S. executive order signed earlier this month that establishes a voluntary process under which developers of certain frontier AI models can provide the government with access to their systems for up to 30 days before making them available to trusted partners.
OpenAI said it will continue safety testing and work closely with its early-access partners before expanding availability. However, the company cautioned that it does not believe this level of government oversight should become a permanent requirement for future AI model releases.
The company also warned that prolonged restrictions could limit access to advanced AI capabilities for developers, businesses, cybersecurity professionals and international customers that could benefit from the technology.
The new model family is led by GPT-5.6 Sol, OpenAI's most advanced model to date, alongside mid-tier model Terra and lower-cost model Luna.
The announcement comes weeks after the U.S. government ordered Anthropic to suspend access to some of its frontier AI models for foreign nationals over national security concerns, triggering an ongoing dispute between the company and federal authorities.
Both OpenAI and Anthropic have confidentially filed paperwork for U.S. initial public offerings, according to the report.
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