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OpenAI to Launch Advanced GPT-5.6 Model After Delay Over National Security Concerns
Summary
OpenAI is set to publicly release its most advanced AI model, GPT-5.6, on Thursday. The launch follows a delay last month prompted by U.S. government requests regarding national security.
OpenAI will publicly launch GPT-5.6, its most advanced artificial intelligence model, this Thursday. The release, which includes the flagship GPT-5.6 Sol model alongside lower-cost versions named Terra and Luna, was delayed last month following U.S. government requests related to national security.
The delay reflects increased scrutiny from Washington over powerful AI technologies and their potential for misuse. U.S. officials have expressed concerns that such models could be exploited by foreign adversaries, including China and Russia, to accelerate sophisticated cyberattacks or for other military and intelligence purposes.
According to reports, the Trump administration approved the broad launch of GPT-5.6 after the company engaged in additional testing and held meetings with government officials. Previously, access to the model had been limited to a small group of vetted partners. The move comes after OpenAI's competitor, Anthropic, also faced a temporary restriction on its most advanced models in June under a government export control order, which was later lifted after safeguards were implemented.
AdWhen previewing the models, OpenAI highlighted their improved "agentic capabilities" in specialized fields like coding, biology, and cybersecurity. The company stated that GPT-5.6 Sol is competitive with Anthropic’s Mythos Preview on the ExploitBench cybersecurity benchmark.
The launch places OpenAI back at the forefront of a competitive AI race. The announcement was followed by news from Elon Musk, who said his company SpaceXAI was also making its leading model, Grok 4.5, available to the public.