OpenAI is working with rivals Anthropic and Google DeepMind on artificial intelligence safety, as concerns about the risks linked to advanced AI continue to grow.
According to Bloomberg News, OpenAI Global Policy Chief Chris Lehane said the three companies have been discussing AI safety for several weeks. The discussions are focused on ways to improve safety as AI systems become more powerful.
Lehane said OpenAI does not believe the companies need an antitrust waiver to cooperate on safety matters. He also stressed the importance of working together to reduce potential risks from AI.
“It’s better to try to work together to prioritize safety,” Lehane said at a briefing in Washington, according to Bloomberg News.
The comments come shortly after leaders of major US AI companies joined together to call for a pause in AI development. The move highlights growing concerns about the possible long-term and catastrophic risks associated with increasingly advanced AI systems.
OpenAI is also backing bipartisan efforts in the US aimed at reducing catastrophic AI risks. Lehane, who was in Washington to meet with lawmakers, said the company would support legislation that focuses on addressing these risks.
The cooperation brings together three major players in the AI industry. OpenAI develops ChatGPT, Anthropic develops Claude, while Google DeepMind works on several advanced AI research and development projects.
Despite being competitors, the companies have increasingly faced similar questions about AI safety, regulation and the responsible development of powerful AI models.
OpenAI, Alphabet and Anthropic did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. Reuters also said it could not independently verify Bloomberg News’ report.
The discussions show that AI safety is becoming an important issue for both technology companies and policymakers. As governments consider new rules for artificial intelligence, cooperation between major AI firms could play a role in developing common safety practices.
For OpenAI, Anthropic and Google, working together on safety could also help address concerns about how advanced AI should be developed while maintaining competition in the broader technology market.
