ChatGPT 5.6 Limited to Approved Government Customers Initially

The rollout of the new ChatGPT 5.6 may not be immediate for all users. A report from The Information reveals that OpenAI intends to release its latest AI model gradually. Initially, only users sanctioned by the federal government will gain access. According to sources familiar with a memo from CEO Sam Altman, government officials will approve access on a customer-by-customer basis during this preview phase, with plans for a broader release of version 5.6 a few weeks later.

In the memo, Altman emphasized to employees that OpenAI does not view this approach as a long-term solution. The company aims to collaborate with government officials and industry leaders to develop a more sustainable strategy for future model releases.

Multiple government agencies appear to be influencing this shift in OpenAI’s approach. The Information mentioned interactions with the Office of the National Cyber Director and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, along with input from Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Despite inquiries, neither the White House nor the Office of the National Cyber Director responded to requests for comment from the publication.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order urging AI companies to engage in a voluntary federal review of their advanced models before public release. The government is expected to develop a standardized framework for evaluating new models. Shortly after this order, rival AI company Anthropic suspended access to two of its recent models following a federal directive. This directive did not specify the security concerns involved, merely stating that access to Anthropic’s tools would be restricted for foreign nationals. The combination of this incident and OpenAI’s phased rollout has created significant uncertainty regarding the review process and its true voluntary nature.