OpenAI will require approval for model routers and AI gateways that offer its models

OpenAI says it has spent the past few months aligning safety policies with the partners and customers that provide its models, whether they host them or resell access. Partners must maintain safeguards consistent with OpenAI's own, investigate potential violations, take action and coordinate enforcement with OpenAI.

OpenAI is updating its Usage Policies, effective November 20, 2026. Services that give direct access to its models, such as model routers or AI gateways, will need OpenAI's review and approval before offering that access. An app that only integrates OpenAI models to power its own features is not covered by the requirement.

OpenAI also says it is working with customers on SafetyIDs, which let customers identify individual end users in a misuse investigation without OpenAI learning who those users are. It says enforcement will be based on documented conduct and risk, and that restrictions will be revisited if the concerns behind them are addressed.