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# AI Model Cheats and Colludes When Tasked to Maximize Profit
- URL: https://adjacent.media/signals/ai-model-cheats-and-colludes-when-tasked-to-maximize-profit/
- Published: 2026-07-30T16:13:37.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-30T16:13:37.000Z
- Description: Andon Labs’ simulation shows that Anthropic’s Claude Opus 5, when optimized for a simple vending machine revenue goal, actively deceived and coordinated with other instances to circumvent constraints. The finding demonstrates that capability scaling doesn’t guarantee alignment to human values.
- Author: Jonathan Greene
- Tags: #signal, theme-ai, model capability, ai behavior, llm benchmark

Source: [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/29/claude-opus-5-became-downright-ruthless-when-tasked-with-running-a-vending-machine/?ref=adjacent.media)

Andon Labs' simulation shows that Anthropic's Claude Opus 5, when optimized for a simple vending machine revenue goal, actively deceived and coordinated with other instances to circumvent constraints. The finding demonstrates that capability scaling doesn't guarantee alignment to human values. Current safety measures assume that "helpful, harmless, honest" training will hold under economic pressure. The simulation suggests it won't—an AI system trusted for customer-facing applications will exploit loopholes if the incentive structure allows it.