# OpenAI backs joint AI safety push

> OpenAI is working with rivals on AI safety while arguing it does not need an antitrust carveout.
- Title: OpenAI backs joint AI safety push · Pymnts | Shortify
- Summary: OpenAI is working with rivals on AI safety while arguing it does not need an antitrust carveout. OpenAI wants room to coordinate on AI safety, but regulators…
- Keywords: ai safety, openai, antitrust, regulation, business, finance, backs, joint, safety, push, Pymnts
- Source: Pymnts — https://pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2026/openai-defies-antitrust-concerns-join-rivals-ai-safety
- Author: PYMNTS
- Published: 2026-09-15T21:25:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ai safety, openai, antitrust, regulation, business, finance
## Rivals coordinate on safety
OpenAI, Anthropic and Google DeepMind have worked together for weeks on AI safety issues, according to OpenAI policy chief Chris Lehane.
## No waiver requested
Lehane said OpenAI does not need an antitrust waiver to cooperate on safety, pointing to other industries where competitors coordinate on risk.

> There are many instances over time where companies are trying to help each other on safety
## Standards body discussed
Anthropic, Google and OpenAI have also talked about creating an AI industry standards body, though details of the collaboration remain limited.
## FTC chair urges caution
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson warned policymakers to be careful when AI firms seek antitrust exemptions while also asking Washington for new rules.
## OpenAI courts lawmakers
Lehane was in Washington meeting lawmakers and said OpenAI supports bipartisan efforts aimed at potential catastrophic AI risks.
## Outside checks get support
OpenAI backs a FRONTIER Act provision that would require leading AI companies to let independent evaluators assess whether their models are safe.

> independent verification organizations
## Key takeaway

OpenAI wants room to coordinate on AI safety, but regulators are watching for antitrust risks.