OpenAI restricts ChatGPT 5.6 launch

OpenAI will stagger the release of its upcoming ChatGPT 5.6 model, initially limiting access to customers approved by the federal government. CEO Sam Altman noted in a staff memo that federal leaders will authorize access on a case-by-case basis during this preview period.

A wider release is expected a few weeks later. The move follows a recent executive order requesting voluntary federal reviews of powerful AI models before public deployment.