Anthropic Retreats From AI Safety Promises

In a move that's shaking Silicon Valley, artificial intelligence firm Anthropic - long considered the conscience of the industry - is dramatically scaling back its safety commitments. The company quietly updated its Responsible Scaling Policy this week, removing key provisions that previously delayed potentially risky AI development.

From Watchdog to Competitor

Just last year, Anthropic pledged to pause research if models reached certain danger thresholds. Now? That promise hinges on whether competitors might gain an edge. "We'll proceed unless we lack significant competitive advantage," the revised policy states - corporate speak for joining the AI arms race.

Behind this reversal lies cold financial reality. With a $38 billion valuation target and IPO pressure mounting, Anthropic can't afford idealism while rivals like OpenAI and Google sprint ahead. "The regulatory environment favors growth over caution right now," admits one insider who requested anonymity.

Whistleblowers Sound Alarm

The policy shift hasn't come quietly. Senior security researcher Mrinank Sharma resigned in protest, warning publicly about "interconnected crises" from unchecked AI development. His departure highlights growing tension between safety advocates and business teams within AI startups.

Investors seem unfazed by these concerns. Anthropic's latest funding round reportedly attracted strong interest despite the controversy. "Safety sells until growth stalls," observes tech analyst Rachel Wu. "Now we're seeing what happens when those priorities collide."

Key Points:

• Safety takes backseat: Anthropic removes mandatory pause triggers from its responsible AI policy
• Funding pressures mount: Company seeks valuation boost amid fierce competition with OpenAI
• Expert exodus begins: Top researchers depart over ethical concerns as commercial focus intensifies