WorkSeptember 16, 2026via SiliconAngleCONFIRMED · 4 SOURCES
OpenAI, Anthropic and Google secretly joined forces to collaborate on AI safety
Why it matters
A public commitment to coordinated AI safety work among frontier labs signals shifting norms around competition vs. collective risk management — and sets a precedent for how the industry addresses governance.
Key signals
- OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind announced joint AI safety collaboration
- Chris Lehane (OpenAI global head of policy) announced the partnership at press conference
- Framework aims to ensure AI safety across competing labs
- Published September 15, 2026
- OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind collaborating on AI safety framework
- Chris Lehane (OpenAI global head of policy) made the announcement
- Framed as prioritizing safety over competitive advantage
- Described as previously undisclosed collaboration
The hook
The three labs that race each other on capability just announced they're collaborating on safety — here's what changes.
OpenAI Group PBC’s global head of policy Chris Lehane said today that his company has been working closely with rivals Anthropic PBC and Google LLC’s DeepMind research lab to try to devise a framework that ensures artificial intelligence safety. “It’s better to try to work together to prioritize saf…