OpenAI limits GPT-5.6 rollout after government request, says restrictions shouldn’t be the norm

OpenAI says it has limited the rollout of GPT-5.6 after a government request, while arguing that such access controls should not become the long-term default. The company says restrictions can keep advanced tools away from users, developers, enterprises, cyber defenders, and international partners who need them.

The move highlights growing tension between AI firms and governments over how to balance safety, national security, and broad access to powerful models. If such restrictions become routine, they could slow adoption and deepen fragmentation in the global AI ecosystem.