Science & Tech · AI · 7 hrs ago
Anthropic plans fund to support people affected by AI, but experts question its value
Anthropic, the maker of Claude, says it will put 5 per cent of its shares into a public benefit fund to support people affected by AI.
The company says it will also make contributions linked to its growth in value, as AI could create economic gains while disrupting workers.
Experts say the plan lacks detail and may not directly help workers whose jobs are affected.
Some also see it as a way for the company to influence how governments regulate AI.
Canada has no dedicated AI laws, and the United States has no single comprehensive law like the European Union’s AI Act.
Anthropic’s CEO has warned about risks to white-collar jobs, while the company’s internal data shows it sharply reduced hiring of junior technical workers last year as it increased its use of AI agents.
How the fund will help workers remains unclear, and Anthropic did not respond to questions about the criticism.
Anthropic plans to commit 5 per cent of its shares to a fund intended to support people affected by artificial intelligence.
The company says additional contributions will be linked to its growth in value.
Economists and policy experts question whether the plan would directly help workers and warn it could serve Anthropic’s interests.
They say the fund could help the company shape public debate about AI regulation while governments lack comprehensive rules.
- Who
- Anthropic, the maker of Claude, announced the proposed fund. Economists and policy experts have questioned its value.
- What
- The company plans to commit 5 per cent of its shares to the Anthropic Public Benefit Fund, with additional contributions linked to its growth in value.
- When
- Anthropic announced the plan last month, according to the article published on Nov. 9, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Anthropic says the fund is meant to support people affected by AI as the technology creates economic value and potential instability for workers.
Anthropic
Economists and policy experts
Purpose
Anthropic
Anthropic says the fund would share some of the company’s value with the public and support people affected by AI.
Economists and policy experts
Experts question whether the plan would directly help workers affected by AI.
Effect on regulation
Anthropic
Not stated
Economists and policy experts
Rafael Gomez said the proposal could pre-empt government regulation, while Barry Eidlin called it a public-relations exercise aimed at maintaining the company’s influence over regulation.
OpenAI announced a US$250-million commitment in grants and direct work placements to help workers navigate AI-related disruption.
Anthropic announced plans to commit 5 per cent of its shares to the Anthropic Public Benefit Fund.
- Share commitment
- 5 per cent of Anthropic’s shares
- Additional contributions
- Linked to the company’s growth in value
- OpenAI commitment
- US$250-million in grants and direct work placements
- OpenAI distributed
- US$50-million to organizations, including groups dedicated to local journalism
What people are saying
The idea proposed by Anthropic is very conceptual, without a lot of detail
So, to me, when I see things like Anthropic’s Public Benefit Fund, I think it’s a public-relations exercise aimed at maintaining their control over how regulation might be crafted.