What actually happens behind the closed doors of Super Intelligence (SI) companies?
In the executive suites of OpenAI, Anthropic, and other major AI companies, preparations are currently underway behind closed doors for what might happen following a serious SI-related incident. According to an Axios report, executives are primarily gaming out how the public and policymakers would react. The scenario most feared is a major cyberattack that cripples banking systems, the internet, the power grid, or even water supplies. Many industry insiders believe such an event could occur within the next six to twelve months. The primary concern is less about the direct damage itself than the backlash that could be directed at the companies and their leaders—such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman or Anthropic’s Dario Amodei—in the aftermath. US President Trump could also face criticism for having previously refrained from imposing strict regulations.
Are the companies truly concerned with safety—or primarily with protecting themselves?
These internal exercises appear designed mainly to safeguard the companies’ own positions. They aim to inform and influence members of the US Congress now so that, should a crisis occur, they can help shape the resulting legislation. While strict regulation currently stands little chance of passing, that could change rapidly in the wake of a catastrophe. OpenAI confirms that such emergency drills are taking place but emphasizes that the scenarios are not viewed as inevitable. Anthropic declined to comment. Critics view this primarily as damage control: downplaying risks initially, only to plan for the moment when the question of culpability arises. Whether this is sufficient to ensure genuine safety remains an open question. In any case, the voluntary safety standards signed in late September are not legally enforceable.
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