OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, announced on Friday that it is limiting the launch of its latest artificial intelligence model as per a request from the Trump administration. This move comes amidst a new trend of government scrutiny over AI technologies that could present security risks.
OpenAI disclosed that its new AI model, known as GPT-5.6 Sol, will initially only be accessible to a select group of approved partners designated by the Trump administration. The company emphasized that this government access process should not become the standard procedure in the long run.
The rollout of the new AI system by OpenAI is being done gradually, with plans for wider availability in the upcoming weeks. This decision follows recent actions taken by the government against Anthropic, a competitor of OpenAI, which took its latest AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, offline to comply with a directive barring their use by foreign individuals.
The White House confirmed ongoing collaboration with leading AI labs to address the challenges associated with scaling this rapidly advancing technology. Concerns have been escalating after Anthropic warned that its Mythos model could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to target critical computer networks worldwide.
President Trump signed an executive order in June concerning AI oversight, setting up a framework for evaluating the national security risks of advanced AI systems before their public release. OpenAI stated that its new Sol model primarily focuses on identifying and fixing vulnerabilities rather than engaging in cyberattacks. However, the company acknowledged potential risks, especially when combined with other tools, prompting a cautious approach in its release strategy.
Cybersecurity experts have criticized the government’s actions leading to the shutdown of Anthropic’s Fable model, questioning the factual basis for the decision. Alex Stamos, a cybersecurity expert from Stanford University, expressed skepticism about the necessity of these measures, suggesting that they could hinder the U.S. in the global AI race, particularly against China.
In summary, OpenAI’s controlled release of its advanced AI model aligns with heightened government scrutiny in the AI sector, emphasizing security concerns and the need for cautious deployment strategies.