OpenAI and Anthropic Executives Privately Simulate Responses to Catastrophic AI Incidents
Executives at major AI firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are conducting closed-door scenario exercises to prepare for potential catastrophic AI incidents. These simulations focus on managing the expected public backlash and political pushback if an unsafe AI causes major real-world harm. This initiative signals that top AI labs view a major real-world safety incident as a realistic threat rather than purely theoretical concern. It shows that leading developers are actively integrating crisis management and public relations planning into their overall AI risk governance strategy. Primary scenarios being evaluated include AI-driven cyberattacks that could paralyze critical infrastructure such as financial services, internet communications, and power or water supplies. OpenAI confirmed it regularly conducts readiness exercises across teams, while Anthropic declined to comment.
## BACKGROUND
As frontier AI models rapidly advance, researchers and policymakers have raised concerns about risks ranging from automated cyberwarfare to systemic economic disruption. Tabletop exercises and scenario planning are standard corporate and national security tools used to stress-test organizational readiness before actual crises occur.