Anthropic to Allocate 5% of Shares to Address AI Social Challenges

Anthropic announced on October 18 that it plans to allocate 5% of its company shares to a new public interest fund, aiming to address potential social issues caused by AI. Based on the company's May 2026 valuation of $965 billion, the shares are worth approximately $48 billion.

The fund is intended to address AI-related employment disruptions, potentially including direct cash payments to affected individuals. Under the proposed plan, the board may add another 2% of shares for every 50% increase in the company's valuation. Combined with earlier donation commitments from founders and employees, up to about 20% of company shares could ultimately be dedicated to public benefit.

The announcement comes as Anthropic has repeatedly warned about AI risks, while continuing to expand its business. Earlier, the company launched a $200 million economic futures research fund and granted external assessors from METR access to its internal systems. The share allocation is still subject to shareholder approval, and details on usage are yet to be disclosed. Elon Musk commented on the news, suggesting the shares should be distributed directly to the public.