OpenAI launches GPT-5.6, but access is highly limited
OpenAI launched its newest and most powerful language model on June 26, 2026: GPT-5.6. Although the technology is promising, ordinary users cannot work with it yet. The U.S. government has decided to strictly limit access to this model to a very small group.
At this moment, only twenty selected companies worldwide are allowed to use the new software. This restriction is striking, as previous versions of ChatGPT were accessible to almost everyone. The reason for this measure is the enormous computing power and the advanced capabilities of the model, which experts say could also carry risks.
For Dutch companies and researchers, this means they will have to wait for this innovation for the time being. Although the Netherlands plays an important role in the European tech sector, as far as is known, no Dutch company is on the list of the lucky twenty. This is causing an international discussion about the fair distribution of technological knowledge between the United States and the rest of the world.
It is still unclear when GPT-5.6 will become available to the general public. OpenAI indicates that they are working closely with governments to distribute the technology in a safe manner. Until then, most users and students in the Netherlands will have to make do with the current versions of the AI software.