Lab Safety Practices
Lab safety practices encompass internal procedures, culture, and governance at AI organizations that determine how safely frontier systems are built. Because most safety-relevant decisions never reach regulators, lab-level practices fundamentally shape risk. The Future of Life Institute Winter 2025 AI Safety Index found no company scored above C+ overall, with every company receiving D or below on existential safety measures.
Responsible Scaling Policies are the primary self-regulatory framework, covering approximately 60-70% of frontier development with estimated 10-25% risk reduction. Red-teaming has become critical but faces scaling limitations. High-profile safety researcher departures suggest ongoing tension between competitive pressures and safety investment.
| Metric | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Changeability | 65 | Can shift quickly with leadership or external pressure |
| X-risk Impact | 50 | Matters but downstream of technical safety and governance |
| Trajectory Impact | 45 | Influences near-term safety; less determinative long-term |
| Uncertainty | 40 | Somewhat observable through public commitments and reports |
Related Content
Section titled “Related Content”Responses:
- Responsible Scaling Policies
- Voluntary Commitments
- Lab Culture
- Whistleblower Protections
- Red Teaming
Models:
Key Debates:
- Can voluntary safety commitments work, or is regulation necessary?
- How much do internal lab cultures actually prioritize safety vs. capabilities?
- Does the “footnote 17 problem” (escape clauses) undermine coordination value?