U.S. govt restricts OpenAI's GPT-5.6 to govt-approved partners only, citing security risks

The U.S. government has told OpenAI to limit access to its upcoming GPT-5.6 model to only government-approved partners, citing national security fears over the model's advanced capabilities. This comes after the U.S. forced Anthropic to restrict global access to its Mythos and Fable AI models earlier this month over similar cybersecurity concerns. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed in an internal memo that access is being granted 'customer by customer' but admitted this approach isn't sustainable long-term, saying they're working with the government to find a better solution. The White House says it's collaborating with AI labs to develop shared regulatory approaches, but experts warn the current ad hoc, inconsistent framework—where the White House and Commerce Department issue conflicting directives—risks stifling innovation and eroding public trust. For Nigerians, this means potential restrictions on accessing cutting-edge AI tools as foreign nationals, which could impact businesses, researchers, and developers relying on such technology for innovation and growth. As global AI governance remains fragmented, what alternative AI strategies should Nigerian businesses and tech hubs explore to reduce reliance on U.S.-controlled models?

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/06/26/white-house-asks-openai-to-restrict-gpt-5-6-access/