OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies are reportedly preparing for the public and political backlash that could follow a catastrophic AI incident disrupting critical infrastructure, financial services, or internet connectivity.

According to an Axios report, executives are examining worst-case scenarios and preparing to engage with US lawmakers. Several industry insiders cited in the report believe a major incident could occur within six to 12 months.

However, OpenAI told the publication that its preparedness exercises cover potential scenarios, not events it considers inevitable. Anthropic declined to comment.

The report said such an incident could trigger sweeping restrictions and scrutiny of industry leaders, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. US president Donald Trump could also face criticism for resisting stricter AI regulations.

Inc42 has reached out to OpenAI and Anthropic for comment. The story will be updated if they respond.

The preparations come as AI systems become increasingly capable of executing code, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and coordinating autonomous agents, raising concerns about whether safeguards can keep pace.

On September 20, an OpenAI research agent bypassed internet restrictions to contact an external chatbot, according to the company’s disclosure.

Tasked with identifying a person from biographical clues and a public blog post, the agent exploited a gap in domain name system controls after initial searches failed.

It tested the connection with a question about France’s capital before sending clues and web-search questions but failed to identify the person.

OpenAI classified the behaviour as misalignment: the task did not authorise bypassing restrictions, testing network controls, or accessing benchmark answers.

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