US Approves OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Model for Mass Rollout

The U.S. Department of Commerce has officially authorized OpenAI for the large-scale release of its advanced artificial intelligence model, GPT-5.6. OpenAI anticipates completing final preparations for the public launch within the week.

Previously, government restrictions were in place for the model's widespread deployment due to national security concerns. Last month, OpenAI was permitted to release the model only to limited, government-approved entities. The lifting of these restrictions now permits the full release of GPT-5.6.

OpenAI had indicated that the phased release was not their preferred approach. The testing and approval process was overseen by the Department of Commerce's Center for AI Standards and Innovation. OpenAI dispatched a technical team to Washington to respond to officials' inquiries during the testing phase.

Separately, the U.S. is preparing a new executive order focused on establishing a formal evaluation framework for advanced AI model releases. OpenAI stated that AI companies and the U.S. government are coordinating under the existing framework.

The prior phased release approach for GPT-5.6 is similar to restrictions previously placed on Anthropic for its Mythos and Fable models.