OpenAI Launches Secure MCP Tunnel to Connect ChatGPT to Corporate Networks

MCP, championed by Anthropic as an open protocol, gives AI systems a consistent interface for accessing external data and tools. But critical enterprise systems often sit behind firewalls, and opening public internet endpoints for ChatGPT or Codex would increase cybersecurity and operational burdens. OpenAI’s move extends MCP connectivity to private environments, improving compatibility and the conditions for enterprise adoption.

OpenAI unveiled Secure MCP Tunnel on June 26, 2026. Enterprises deploy an open-source client on their internal networks that initiates a connection over HTTPS port 443, receives MCP requests through long polling and returns responses over the same channel. The tunnel works with ChatGPT, Codex and the Responses API without requiring inbound ports to be opened. OpenAI has not announced any additional fees.