Preparedness Framework

In plain English

OpenAI introduced the Preparedness Framework in December 2023 and published version 2 on April 15, 2025. It sets High and Critical capability thresholds for biological, cyber and self-improvement risks, with safeguards that must be in place before a model at those levels can be deployed or developed further. A Safety Advisory Group reviews results and makes recommendations to leadership.

In 2026 the framework reached a milestone: OpenAI rated GPT-6 Astra its first model at the Critical level of cybersecurity capability. The Containment Board notes its weaknesses: the thresholds are partly qualitative, a marginal risk clause allows adjusted safeguards if a rival ships a comparable model without them, and the Future of Life Institute notes that leadership can override the Safety Advisory Group. OpenAI has also published a broader Frontier Governance Framework, dated May 2026, covering EU and California compliance.

Why it matters for rogue SI

Preparedness frameworks are where a lab writes down when it would stop. Whether those stopping points hold under commercial pressure is the question the Containment Board grades.

Lab policies

• Preparedness Framework OpenAI · version 2
• Frontier Governance Framework OpenAI · version May 2026