Anthropic’s plan to go public in the US is facing questions over AI safety and company oversight. New York City Comptroller Mark Levine has appealed to the company that it should delay its IPO until it deals with these concerns. New York City's comptroller supervises the city's finances, manages its pension funds, and acts as a watchdog over public spending and financial practices.
In a letter, Levine has stated, “Instead of proceeding headlong with its IPO, the company should focus its energies on addressing these unprecedented risks.” According to him, AI's rapid growth makes stronger safety measures essential.
Reports say Anthropic is targeting a November IPO, with a potential valuation of more than USD 2 trillion. However, the company has not confirmed these plans.
Levine’s concerns include risks found in Anthropic’s own AI research. In recent tests, it is shown that advanced AI models may carry out harmful acts like fraud, code tampering, and spreading false information. AI misuse and growing cyber threats have also raised concerns about how these tools are tested and managed.
New York City pension funds have around USD 7 million invested in Anthropic through equity exposure. This gives the company’s future added importance for public funds.
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Why AI Safety and Company Rules Matter
Going public brings new investors and more attention to a company’s choices. For an AI firm, this also means questions about how it tests its tools and deals with risks. Levine wants Anthropic to address these issues before selling shares to the public. His request points to a key challenge for AI companies: growing fast while keeping safety at the center of their work.
In a recent meeting, Anthropic told investors that its revenue rose 45% in the third quarter compared with the previous quarter. This growth may attract buyers. Still, concerns about safety and company oversight could affect how investors view the planned IPO.