OpenAI halts GPT‑6.1 Astra launch over safety flaws as FTC opens probe into AI risks

OpenAI has cancelled the release of its GPT-6.1 Astra model due to significant safety flaws after internal testing. Concurrently, the US Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into AI companies including OpenAI and Anthropic over potential consumer risks posed by their technology.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of AI & ML, and 32 sources have reported it between 3 Sep 2026 and 1 Oct 2026.