News - US Government Influences OpenAI's Latest Rollout

For the first time in its history, OpenAI has postponed the release of its groundbreaking AI models at the request of the US government. This decision is different from previous launches, which followed the company's own schedules and were openly released to the public. This move is similar to a recent change by Anthropic, which temporarily restricted access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models in alignment with a US government export control directive due to national security concerns. On Friday, OpenAI announced a limited preview of the GPT 5.6 series for a select group of partners approved in collaboration with the government. This temporary solution is intended to be in effect while President Trump's administration develops a policy for evaluating frontier AI technologies per his June 2 executive order. Despite this interim measure, OpenAI remains committed to its principle of broad access, promising full availability of Sol, Terra, and Luna in the near future. Reports over the weekend noted that Anthropic has resumed limited deployments of Mythos 5 after resolving government inquiries, although Fable 5 remains restricted. In correspondence, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged Anthropic's significant progress in working with regulatory authorities. Critics have expressed concerns about the government's growing influence over the debut of pioneering AI platforms, warning that the absence of a consistent legal framework could destabilize innovation and competitiveness in the AI sector. Historically, Trump’s administration preferred minimal interference, viewing AI as a crucial asset in the competition with China and advocating against overly strict regulations. However, with AI advancements increasing security and cybersecurity risks, recent policies indicate a shift towards careful oversight, reflecting a broader reassessment of national priorities in the evolving technological landscape.