OpenAI banned from using Claude AI just before GPT-5 launch: Here's why

In a significant move, Anthropic has rescinded OpenAI's access to its Claude AI models due to alleged breaches of the company's terms of service, as reported by Wired. This decision comes just as OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, is rumored to be on the verge of unveiling its latest model, GPT-5. Anthropic spokesperson Christopher Nulty confirmed the ban, stating, "Claude Code has become the preferred choice among coders, so it's not surprising that OpenAI's technical team was utilizing our tools ahead of the GPT-5 launch. Unfortunately, this constitutes a direct violation of our terms of service." Nulty further assured that Anthropic would still provide OpenAI with API access for essential benchmarking and safety evaluations, a common practice in the tech industry. Reports indicate that OpenAI was using Claude through specialized developer access rather than the standard chat interface. This method allowed them to conduct tests on Claude's performance in tasks such as coding and creative writing. Additionally, OpenAI evaluated Claude's responses to safety-related queries involving sensitive topics like child sexual abuse material (CSAM), self-harm, and defamation. Insights from these tests were presumably used to enhance OpenAI's own models. According to Anthropic's terms of service, clients are prohibited from using its AI models to create competing products or services, including training rival AI models or reselling their services. OpenAI's Chief Communications Officer, Hannah Wong, expressed disappointment over the situation, stating, "It's standard in the industry to assess other AI systems for benchmarking and safety improvements. While we respect Anthropic’s decision to cut off our API access, it's disheartening, particularly since our API remains available to them." This isn't the first instance of Anthropic limiting access to its AI models for competitors. Earlier this year, the company restricted access for AI coding startup Windsurf after it was rumored to be acquired by OpenAI. Anthropic's Chief Science Officer, Jared Kaplan, had remarked on this decision, saying, "It would be unusual for us to be selling Claude to OpenAI." Stay updated on the latest developments in technology and AI with Live Mint.