Anthropic has made a large contribution to the Python Software Foundation

Big AI gifts $1.5M to Python—cheers, side‑eye, and “strings attached” vibes

TLDR: Anthropic is giving $1.5M to the Python Software Foundation to beef up security and support core work like PyPI. Comments split between applause for safer packages and suspicion about “strings attached,” with bonus debate over typed vs Python for AI agents and calls for DeepMind/OpenAI to pony up.

Anthropic just dropped $1.5M on the Python Software Foundation, and the crowd went wild… then suspicious. Fans cheered a rare Big Tech check for the community, calling it a win for the millions who use Python and its package hub PyPI. Skeptics side‑eyed “donations with strings attached,” pointing to the security‑only focus as proof money always nudges priorities. The official source says the cash powers a security roadmap to stop supply‑chain attacks (sneaky malware hidden in downloads), plus core work like a Developer‑in‑Residence and keeping PyPI humming.

Then the thread swerved: one commenter dropped the spice that “typed languages are best for agentic programming,” hinting Python isn’t ideal for building AI agents. Cue mini flame‑war vibes and memes about Python adding “more types than a dating app.” Supporters clapped back that modern Python already has type hints, and the donation is about safety, not language purity. The pressure campaign kicked in too: “Looking at you DeepMind and OpenAI,” one user wrote, daring rival labs to match the gift.

Final mood: grateful but vigilant. People want transparency, receipts, and fewer package‑based scares—while joking that if the donation has strings, at least they’re secure ones.

Key Points

  • Anthropic donated $1.5 million over two years to the Python Software Foundation.
  • The funding is focused on strengthening security across the Python ecosystem.
  • Resources will support the PSF’s security roadmap, including protections for PyPI users against supply-chain attacks.
  • The donation also backs core PSF programs: Developer in Residence contributions to CPython, community grants, and running PyPI.
  • The PSF described the gift as a landmark investment and expressed gratitude.

Hottest takes

"typed languages are best for agentic programming" — simianwords
"donations with a string attached (\"improve security\")" — zoobab
"Looking at you Deepmind and OpenAI" — htrp
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