The policy prohibits using OpenAI services for national security or intelligence purposes unless OpenAI has reviewed and approved the specific use. No procedure for seeking such review and approval is described in the document.
This analysis describes what OpenAI's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes that government and defense sector entities seeking to use OpenAI services for national security or intelligence functions must obtain prior approval from OpenAI. The absence of a defined review and approval process in the document creates procedural uncertainty for organizations seeking to operate within this exception.
Interpretive note: The document does not define what constitutes national security or intelligence purposes, nor does it describe the review and approval process, creating ambiguity regarding both the scope of the prohibition and the path to obtaining an exception.
Under this clause, OpenAI services may not be used for national security or intelligence purposes without OpenAI's prior review and approval. The agreement does not describe the procedure for obtaining such review.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Prohibition on National Security and Intelligence Use Without OpenAI Approval and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"Protect people. Everyone has a right to safety and security. So you cannot use our services for: national security or intelligence purposes without our review and approvalExcerpt from OpenAI's Usage Policies
1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision is primarily relevant to government contractors, defense agencies, and intelligence community operators seeking to deploy OpenAI services.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
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This provision establishes that government and defense sector entities seeking to use OpenAI services for national security or intelligence functions must obtain prior approval from OpenAI. The absence of a defined review and approval process in the document creates procedural uncertainty for organizations seeking to operate within this exception.
Under this clause, OpenAI services may not be used for national security or intelligence purposes without OpenAI's prior review and approval. The agreement does not describe the procedure for obtaining such review.
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