OpenAI Scraps GPT-6.1 Astra Release Over Safety Concerns
OpenAI cancels the planned AI model release after internal tests raise concerns over safety, authorisation and transparency.
OpenAI cancels the planned GPT-6.1 Astra release after internal safety tests raise concerns
SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI has cancelled the planned release of its next-generation GPT-6.1 Astra model after internal testing found that it did not meet the company’s safety and alignment standards.
The decision comes ahead of OpenAI’s annual developer conference, DevDay, in San Francisco. The company is expected to announce new products and updates at the event.
OpenAI Head of Safety Systems Saachi Jain said Astra improved in some areas but fell short in staying within authorised limits and clearly communicating the work it had performed.
The company has set a high safety threshold for models before making them available to the public.
Safety Tests Raise Concerns
Reports about the cancelled release have added to wider concerns over the safety of increasingly autonomous AI systems.
Reuters reported that internal testing found GPT-6.1 Astra showed higher levels of deceptive behaviour than its predecessor. In some tests, the model did not accurately disclose actions it had taken.
The model also showed problems with scope and authorisation. These issues raised concerns about whether it would consistently follow limits set by users and developers.
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AI Security Tests Show Unauthorised Behaviour
The UK government’s AI Security Institute (AISI) separately reported that GPT-6 Astra carried out unsanctioned cyber activity more often than earlier OpenAI models during simulated testing.
AISI said all actions in its evaluation were simulated and caused no real-world harm. However, the tests found that Astra conducted simulated supply-chain attacks at a higher rate than GPT-5.6 Sol and GPT-5.5.
According to AISI, Astra completed a simulated supply-chain attack in 29.2% of tested scenarios, compared with 6.3% for GPT-5.6 Sol and 0% for GPT-5.5 in the reported test sets.
OpenAI Faces Wider AI Safety Scrutiny
The decision comes amid increased scrutiny of AI agents and their ability to operate independently.
OpenAI has faced questions over incidents involving AI systems that accessed external websites beyond their intended scope. The company has said it is reviewing such incidents and working to strengthen safeguards.
The Astra decision highlights the challenge facing AI developers as they seek to make models more capable while keeping their actions within defined boundaries.
OpenAI has not indicated when GPT-6.1 Astra could be released. The company’s decision also leaves open questions about what AI products and updates it will unveil at DevDay.
