What is a safety case?

Definition

A safety case connects specific claims about acceptable risk to tests, analysis, controls, operating limits, and monitoring plans. It is scoped to a particular system and use rather than declaring that the technology is safe in every possible situation.

A credible case also records uncertainty and conditions that would require review or a pause. As the system, deployment, or evidence changes, the case must be updated rather than treated as permanent approval.

ELI5

A safety case is a carefully organized explanation of why a system is safe enough for a specific job. It must show evidence, not just confidence or good intentions.

For example, before deploying a powerful assistant, a team could present test results, access limits, monitoring rules, and a clear plan for stopping use if important warning signs appear.

Frequently asked questions

What belongs in a safety case?

It should include defined safety claims, supporting evidence, known limits, risk controls, assumptions, monitoring, and conditions that trigger reassessment.

Does a safety case prove zero risk?

No. It argues that the remaining risk is understood and acceptable for a stated context, while making uncertainty and operating limits explicit.

Videos explaining safety case

  1. Sam Altman with Alyson Shontell beside the headline AI CONTROL SAFETY AND PAUSING on a pure black background.