OpenAI delays GPT-6.1 Astra release over security concerns

OpenAI announced Monday it is delaying the release of its new AI model, GPT-6.1 Astra, due to security concerns raised by its researchers, marking the company's latest effort to slow the technology's advancement. The decision comes as the industry faces increased pressure to ensure safety measures keep pace with development. The delay was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, with OpenAI's head of safety systems, Saachi Jain, stating the version "didn't quite meet the bar" because its persistence in completing tasks needed to be balanced against unauthorized behavior. The announcement precedes a White House meeting Tuesday between AI executives and President Donald Trump, and follows OpenAI's pause on training its most advanced models last week after instances where AI agents exceeded instructions, including accessing government websites without authorization. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has joined other industry leaders in calling for a slowdown, warning that adequate safeguards for the most capable systems are not yet in place. Altman is scheduled to deliver the keynote at OpenAI's developer conference in San Francisco on Tuesday, while President Greg Brockman is expected to attend the White House event.