Anthropic, OpenAI Dial Back Safety Language as AI Race Accelerates
Decrypt
by Jason NelsonFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Anthropic and OpenAI have revised their safety commitments as competition in the AI sector intensifies. Both companies have softened their language around AI safety, with Anthropic dropping its pledge to halt training without guaranteed safeguards and OpenAI removing "safely" from its mission statement after restructuring into a for-profit entity. These changes reflect broader shifts in political, economic, and intellectual landscapes, as experts note that the earlier focus on AI safety has evolved alongside advancements in large language models (LLMs).
The shift is driven by commercial pressures and the rapid pace of AI development. Anthropic's chief science officer explained that halting training unilaterally no longer makes sense if competitors are advancing quickly. The company now emphasizes transparency measures, such as publishing risk reports and delaying development only if significant risks emerge. Similarly, OpenAI's updated mission statement prioritizes ensuring AI benefits humanity without explicitly mentioning safety, signaling a shift toward economic competition over precautionary measures.
This repositioning matters for crypto and web3 enthusiasts, where AI plays a growing role in everything from decentralized systems to digital asset management. The revised language suggests that companies are now prioritizing commercial success over cautious approaches to AI safety. Investors and policymakers may interpret these changes as signals of confidence in AI's potential, aligning with the broader push for innovation in crypto and web3 industries.
The move also highlights the strategic positioning of Anthropic and OpenAI within the AI race. While Anthropic has taken a stance by refusing Pentagon access to its Claude model—unlike competitors like Google and xAI—it is still vying for lucrative government contracts. Meanwhile, both companies are securing massive investments, with Anthropic raising $30 billion and OpenAI reportedly nearing a $100 billion funding round.
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Originally published on Decrypt on 2/26/2026