Netflix’s Reed Hastings joins Anthropic board to steer AI toward human benefit

Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and AI philanthropist, has joined Anthropic’s board appointed by its Long-Term Benefit Trust to ensure responsible AI development. His leadership and focus on technology’s human impact aim to help Anthropic build AI systems that prioritize societal safety and benefit over harm.

Sources:
The Hollywood ReporterTechcrunch
Updated 1h ago
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Sources: The Hollywood Reporter
Netflix founder and former CEO Reed Hastings has joined the board of Anthropic, an AI company known for its Claude large language models.
Appointed by Anthropic's Long Term Benefit Trust, Hastings brings extensive leadership experience and a strong philanthropic background focused on AI's societal impact.

"Anthropic is very optimistic about the AI benefits for humanity, but is also very aware of the economic, social, and safety challenges," Hastings said. "I'm joining Anthropic's board because I believe in their approach to AI development, and to help humanity progress."

The Long Term Benefit Trust, an independent governance body, holds the power to appoint and remove board members to ensure Anthropic develops AI for humanity's long-term benefit.

Daniela Amodei, Anthropic's president, praised Hastings, saying, "Reed understands that technology companies have a responsibility beyond just building products. His focus on the human impact of technology—whether at Netflix or through his global health and education initiatives—makes him an ideal addition to our board as we continue building AI that helps rather than harms."

Hastings has also demonstrated his commitment to AI education and safety by donating $50 million to Bowdoin College to establish the Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity, preparing students to lead in an AI-driven world.

His appointment adds a seasoned Big Tech executive to Anthropic, a key competitor to OpenAI, and is expected to help the startup scale into a major AI company leveraging his experience on boards including Microsoft, Bloomberg, and Meta.

"His impressive leadership experience, deep philanthropic work, and commitment to addressing AI's societal challenges makes him uniquely qualified to guide Anthropic at this critical juncture in AI development," according to the Long Term Benefit Trust.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter
Netflix founder Reed Hastings has joined the board of AI firm Anthropic, appointed by its Long Term Benefit Trust. Hastings, known for his leadership and philanthropy, aims to guide AI development toward societal benefit, emphasizing safety and human impact amid AI’s rapid growth.
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The Headline

Reed Hastings joins Anthropic board to guide responsible AI

Anthropic is very optimistic about the AI benefits for humanity, but is also very aware of the economic, social, and safety challenges. I’m joining Anthropic’s board because I believe in their approach to AI development, and to help humanity progress.
Reed Hastings
Netflix co-founder
The Hollywood Reporter
Reed understands that technology companies have a responsibility beyond just building products. His focus on the human impact of technology—whether at Netflix or through his global health and education initiatives—makes him an ideal addition to our board as we continue building AI that helps rather than harms.
Daniela Amodei
president of Anthropic
The Hollywood Reporter
Key Facts
  • Reed Hastings was appointed to Anthropic's board by the Long-Term Benefit Trust due to his leadership experience and commitment to addressing AI's societal challenges.The Hollywood Reporter
  • Hastings expressed optimism about AI's benefits for humanity but emphasized the importance of being aware of economic, social, and safety challenges in AI development.The Hollywood Reporter
  • Anthropic’s president Daniela Amodei praised Hastings for his focus on the human impact of technology, calling him an ideal board member to help build AI that helps rather than harms.The Hollywood Reporter
  • Hastings’ appointment adds a veteran Big Tech executive to Anthropic, a major competitor to OpenAI, leveraging his experience from boards at Netflix, Microsoft, Bloomberg, and Meta.Techcrunch
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Background Context

Hastings’ AI philanthropy and Anthropic’s governance

Key Facts
  • Reed Hastings has been deeply involved in AI philanthropy, donating $50 million to Bowdoin College earlier this year to establish the Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity.The Hollywood Reporter
  • Anthropic is an AI startup competing with OpenAI, governed by the Long-Term Benefit Trust, an independent body that appoints board members to ensure AI development benefits humanity long-term.Techcrunch
Key Stats at a Glance
Donation amount by Reed Hastings to Bowdoin College for AI initiative
$50 million
The Hollywood Reporter
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