OpenAI limits access to new GPT-5.6 models at US government’s request
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OpenAI is limiting early access to its new GPT-5.6 model lineup after a request from the US government. The models will first go to a small group of trusted partners before a wider release.
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The rollout includes three models: Sol, Terra, and Luna. Sol is described as OpenAI’s strongest model yet, with improved agentic capabilities in coding, biology, and cybersecurity.
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OpenAI warned that this kind of government access process should not become the long-term default because it can delay access for users, developers, enterprises, cyber defenders, and global partners.
OpenAI is rolling out its new artificial intelligence (AI) models, but access will initially be limited to a “small group of trusted partners” after the US government asked the company to begin with a limited preview.
The rollout includes three new models: OpenAI’s flagship model Sol, an everyday work assistant Terra, and a “fast and affordable” model Luna. The company said it’s planning to make the models generally available in the coming weeks. But at first, they will be available to select partners only.
“As part of our ongoing engagement with the U.S. government, we previewed our plans and the models’ capabilities ahead of today’s launch. At their request, we are starting with a limited preview for a small group of trusted partners whose participation has been shared with the government, before releasing more broadly,” the company said in a blog post.
OpenAI added that during the preview, it will continue testing and coordinating with partners while preparing for a broader public release.
“We don’t believe this kind of government access process should become the long-term default. It keeps the best tools from users, developers, enterprises, cyber defenders, and global partners who need them,” OpenAI said.
The company called this a “short-term step” and didn’t disclose the names of the selected partners.
The move appears to be the first public implementation of the AI review process established under Trump's recent executive order on frontier AI models. The voluntary framework allows developers to provide "covered frontier models" to the US government for up to 30 days before releasing them to trusted partners.
OpenAI is not the only company that has recently faced scrutiny from Trump’s administration. Earlier in June, Anthropic had to "abruptly disable" Fable 5 and Mythos 5 after the US issued an export control directive ordering the company to suspend all foreign access to the models.
It is currently unclear when its models will become available again.
According to OpenAI, Sol is its strongest model yet, boasting improved agentic capabilities in coding, biology, and cybersecurity.
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