OpenAI and Anthropic data reveals Claude is huge in NY, Cali and Virginia

OpenAI and Anthropic have released detailed global usage reports revealing significant disparities in how their AI models are being adopted worldwide. The data exposes a growing economic divide, with AI usage heavily concentrated in wealthy nations and tech hubs, potentially contradicting OpenAI’s assertion that AI access should be treated as a “basic right.”

What the data reveals: The two companies’ AI models serve distinctly different purposes, reflecting varied user needs and capabilities.

• Computer and mathematical tasks, including coding assistance, dominate Claude’s usage at 36%, while accounting for less than 8% of ChatGPT usage.
• OpenAI’s models function primarily as a search engine replacement, with 18% of queries involving users seeking specific information.
• Teaching and writing assistance are common ChatGPT use cases that have been gaining popularity among Claude users since the start of the year.

The geographic divide: Usage patterns reveal stark concentrations in high-income regions and technology centers.

• The US dominates Claude usage, specifically in California, New York, and Virginia.
• Tech-focused countries like Israel and Singapore show strong uptake relative to their working-age populations.
• The concentration suggests AI could become an economic divider rather than an equalizing force.

What they’re saying: The companies offer different perspectives on AI accessibility and adoption patterns.

• “This widening adoption underscores our belief that access to AI should be treated as a basic right—a technology that people can access to unlock their potential and shape their own future,” OpenAI said in a blog post.
• Anthropic takes a more measured approach, noting that “it takes time for transformative technology to reach everyone, and AI is no different.”

Why this matters: The usage data provides the most comprehensive look yet at global AI adoption patterns, revealing potential challenges to equitable technology distribution. While OpenAI frames AI as a basic right, the actual usage patterns suggest significant barriers remain for broader global access, particularly in developing regions where the technology could potentially have the greatest transformative impact.