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GPT-5.6 is deleting user files when given full access, and OpenAI says it shouldn't but did

AnnouncementModelJul 17, 2026

OpenAI's GPT-5.6 has deleted user files in a small number of cases when running in Full Access Mode without sandbox protection. The model overwrites a temporary directory variable and accidentally wipes the home directory. OpenAI acknowledges "the model makes an honest mistake" and is updating developer documentation, steering users toward safer permission modes, and adding safeguards. A post-mortem is expected soon. System prompts emphasizing persistence worsen the behavior.

Evidence

1source· awaiting independent confirmation

No score is assigned. Sources and their independence are shown in the citation chain below.

Citation chain · 1 source

OpenAICompanyGPT-5.6Model
Canonical: https://the-decoder.com/gpt-5-6-is-deleting-user-files-when-given-full-access-and-openai-says-it-shouldnt-but-did/