Trump puts brakes on OpenAI’s newest AI model

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OpenAI’s newest AI model is getting a gatekeeper before most people can try it: the U.S. government.

The company says GPT-5.6 Sol, its newest flagship model, will start with a limited preview for a small group of trusted partners. OpenAI said it previewed the model’s capabilities with the U.S. government ahead of launch and, at the government’s request, is starting with a limited group of trusted partners whose participation has been shared with the government before a broader rollout. The model will reportedly be accessible only to customers approved by the Trump administration during this initial preview period.

That to me is a big shift. Usually, you hear about a new AI model and wonder when you can use it. Now, the bigger question may be who gets access first and how those decisions are made.

 

 

 

What is OpenAI’s GPT-5.6 Sol?

GPT-5.6 Sol is part of OpenAI’s new GPT-5.6 lineup, which also includes Terra and Luna. OpenAI describes Sol as its strongest model yet, with improvements in coding, biology and cybersecurity tasks. In its public announcement, OpenAI said GPT-5.6 models will initially be available through the API and Codex to a select group of trusted partners and organizations, with broader availability planned for ChatGPT, Codex and the API soon. As of early July, OpenAI says GPT-5.6 isn’t available in ChatGPT during the preview, and the company has not announced a general-availability date.

The cybersecurity part is what has Washington paying close attention. OpenAI says Sol is better at helping people find and fix software vulnerabilities than reliably carrying out full cyberattacks. The company also says Sol does not cross its internal “Cyber Critical” threshold, although it admits benchmark tests cannot predict every possible use when the model is combined with other tools.

That is the concern. The same AI that can help a security team fix a software flaw could also give scammers and hackers a head start if the guardrails fail.

 

Why the government is stepping in

The Trump administration has been building a new AI cybersecurity framework. A June executive order says advanced AI can strengthen the country, but it also creates national security concerns that require coordination across federal agencies and private companies.

The White House fact sheet says the order creates a voluntary framework for covered frontier models. It also says the government may get secure early access for trusted partners, while stating the order does not authorize mandatory licensing, pre-clearance or permits for releasing AI models.

That distinction is important. The administration says this is about security. Critics worry it could turn into quiet government control over who gets the newest AI tools first.

 

Anthropic was pulled into the same AI fight

OpenAI isn’t the only AI company that has faced government pressure over powerful AI models. On June 12, Anthropic said the U.S. government directed it to suspend access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models by foreign nationals. Anthropic said the order forced it to disable the models more broadly so it could comply.

CyberGuy previously covered Anthropic’s Mythos AI and why its ability to find software vulnerabilities raised big cybersecurity questions. That helps explain why these models became part of the larger debate over AI, cyber risk and who gets access first.

Since then, the standoff has changed. The U.S. Commerce Department later lifted export controls on Anthropic’s Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Anthropic said it would restore access, and Fable 5 was reportedly back online as of July 1. Reports say Anthropic agreed to strengthen safeguards, work with the U.S. government on model-release protocols and report malicious activity tied to the models. Reuters also reported that the restrictions were removed after talks between Anthropic and U.S. officials.

That makes the Anthropic episode a useful comparison for OpenAI’s limited rollout. In both cases, the issue is no longer only about what an AI model can do. It is also about how quickly powerful AI tools should be released, who should get early access and what role the government should play.

 

Why this reaches beyond Silicon Valley

Here is the bigger question: how should powerful AI tools be released when they can help protect hospitals, banks and businesses, but could also help the wrong person find security holes faster?

Security teams want better tools because they are already stretched thin. Hospitals and health care systems, banks, local utilities and critical systems, plus businesses all run on software that can have hidden holes. A stronger AI model could help find those weak spots before criminals exploit them.

However, the access question is complicated. Who gets early access? Who gets told to wait? What happens if a small security company needs the same AI tool as a major government contractor?

For now, the debate comes down to balancing security, access and accountability as these AI tools move closer to the services you rely on every day.

 

How to protect yourself as AI gets more powerful

AI tools are getting more capable, and that means scammers will keep using the buzz around them to trick you. Here are the steps to take now.

 

1) Watch out for fake early-access offers

Whenever a major AI product gets attention, imposters follow. Be careful with emails, texts or ads that promise early access to GPT-5.6 Sol, Mythos 5 or any restricted AI model. Go directly to the official company site instead of clicking a link.

 

2) Use strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software such as Norton Antivirus Plus (CyberGuy Deal: 58% off) can help protect you from malicious links, phishing sites and downloads that scammers may disguise as AI tools or beta invitations. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.

 

3) Use a password manager

Use strong, unique passwords for your important accounts. A password manager can help you create and store complex passwords, so you are not reusing the same login across multiple sites.

 

4) Turn on two-factor authentication

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever it is available. Authentication apps or security keys are stronger than text message codes because they are harder for scammers to intercept.

 

5) Keep your devices and apps updated

Keep your phone, computer, browser and apps updated. Many cyberattacks target known software flaws that already have patches, so updates are one of the easiest ways to close security gaps.

 

6) Be careful what you upload into AI tools

Think twice before pasting sensitive information into any AI tool. Avoid uploading Social Security numbers, financial records, medical documents or private company files unless you know exactly how the service handles your data.

 

7) Remove your personal data from people-search sites

Scammers can make AI-themed attacks more convincing when they can find your home address, phone number, relatives or workplace online. A data removal service such as Incogni can help reduce how much of your personal information appears on data broker and people-search sites.

 

8) Slow down before clicking urgent AI invites

Scammers love urgency. If an offer claims you need to act fast to get access to a new AI model, treat that as a warning sign. Search for the announcement yourself and verify it from the company’s official website.

 

 

Related Links: 

• Apple raises prices as AI chip costs surge
• AI cybersecurity risks and deepfake scams on the rise
• FBI helps take down AI phishing ring

 

 

Kurt’s key takeaways

AI has reached a point where Washington wants a closer look before everyone gets access. I understand why cybersecurity officials are paying attention. A model that can spot software flaws could help protect a hospital, a bank or a utility. In the wrong hands, though, that same capability could create new risks. For you, the takeaway is straightforward. AI tools will keep getting more capable, and that can be good news when they help defend your data. However, you still need to protect your accounts, question surprise AI offers and think twice before sharing sensitive information with any new tool.

Should powerful AI tools face a security review before public release, or should companies decide when they are ready for everyone to use? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

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