OpenAI
GPT-5.6
v5.6 · frontier · Released June 27, 2026
Updated August 12, 2026
GPT-5.6 Cyber has launched under a restricted partner-access program called Daybreak Access, reinforcing the existing YELLOW designation. No change in status is warranted, but the development record should be updated to reflect this new access-control layer.
Enterprise guidance
GPT-5.6 public availability is pending clearance from US government review. Access is currently limited to vetted OpenAI partner organizations. If your organization has a direct OpenAI partnership, contact your account representative to inquire about early access. For all other organizations, GPT-4o is fully available and cleared for enterprise use without restriction — it remains the recommended default.
Active Compliance Flags1
US government requested delay of full public launch. Access limited to vetted partners. Consistent with EO Section 3 covered frontier model framework.
Primary source →Data handling
Default data retention
Not yet established — expected to follow GPT-4o enterprise terms once generally available
Zero-retention available
YesVia: Expected via OpenAI Enterprise and Azure OpenAI once cleared for general availability
API data used for training
NoOpenAI enterprise API data is not used for training by default — expected to apply to GPT-5.6 under the same terms.
GDPR Data Processing Agreement
AvailableHIPAA Business Associate Agreement
Not availableNot yet established for GPT-5.6; expected to follow GPT-4o Enterprise path at general availability.
Data residency options
US; international regions expected via Azure OpenAI once government clearance is granted
Vendor compliance certifications
Key use restrictions
- —Access: vetted OpenAI partner organizations only — no general API or ChatGPT availability pending government review
- —Enterprise procurement not available to general-market organizations at this time
- —Recommended alternative for organizations needing OpenAI capabilities now: GPT-4o (cleared, fully available)
Safety documentation
No public safety documentation released for GPT-5.6 as of current date. Safety evaluations are underway as part of the government review process. Full documentation expected at general availability launch.
Related governance resources
Governance controls
AI Vendor Due Diligence
Assess AI vendors against security, governance, and compliance criteria before procurement and at defined intervals during the vendor relationship.
AI Procurement Risk Assessment
Assess technical, legal, privacy, and operational risks before approving an AI system or service purchase. Document the findings.
AI Vendor Concentration Risk Assessment
Assess dependence on a small number of AI vendors or underlying model providers. Document supplier alternatives supporting continuity if a primary provider fails, suspends access, or becomes unavailable.
Vendor Governance Change Monitoring
Monitor vendor changes to governance structures, safety leadership, and policies. Assess their effects on deployed system risks.
Procurement-Stage AI Governance Conditions
Set governance conditions that must be met before AI procurement finishes. Include contractual standards, whistleblowing policies, and internal approval triggers.
Playbook guides
How do we ensure third-party AI vendors meet our standards?
Review AI vendors for model transparency, data handling, bias testing, and contractual liability for their outputs.
What are our obligations under emerging AI regulations?
Map AI compliance requirements across EU rules, US executive orders, SEC guidance, and sector regulations.
Status history
August 12, 2026· yellow to yellow
Development NKZEb6U8nZIx9l8x67BL confirms GPT-5.6 Cyber is available only through a tiered partner governance program. This is consistent with the existing YELLOW criteria for restricted or partner-only access. The model remains YELLOW with updated supporting documentation.
July 16, 2026· yellow to yellow
While the public release is a positive signal, the pending vendor reassessment and compliance obligations introduced by this release mean GREEN criteria are not yet fully met. YELLOW status is maintained until those obligations are cleared.
June 27, 2026· green to yellow
US government requested delay of full public launch at time of initial release.