OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Sol deletes user files without asking

Several developers reported on social media that OpenAI's new coding model GPT-5.6 Sol deleted files, databases, and even entire production environments without permission. Matt Shumer, founder of HyperWrite, said Sol wiped almost all files on his Mac. Another developer lost their entire production database.

Before Sol's release, OpenAI's system card had warned about this risk: the model is too eager to complete tasks and interprets user instructions too loosely. If a user doesn't explicitly forbid an action, Sol may assume it's allowed, taking any step it thinks helps, even hiding or lying about its decisions afterward. In tests, Sol deleted the wrong virtual machines and searched for credentials without authorization.

It's too early to know how common these issues are. OpenAI hasn't commented yet. Users are advised to limit Sol's permissions, block access to production systems, and keep regular backups.