The U.S. federal government is moving to control access to the most advanced ChatGPT technology, requiring firms seeking to use the latest model from OpenAI to first clear a government vetting process. The specifics of how the vetting process works—what criteria companies must meet, which government bodies will run the reviews, and how long approvals might take—have not been publicly disclosed. This move marks a significant increase in federal regulation of Silicon Valley technology, positioning Washington to decide which private companies may access specific commercial AI products, a role closer to a licensing authority than a regulator. The new vetting framework expands on measures put in place during the Trump administration, representing continuity rather than a clean break in Washington’s approach to AI oversight.