Google opens CodeMender API to select testers, pitching AI security tool to governments and enterprises

Google announced at I/O 2026 that it is opening API access for CodeMender, its AI agent for code security, to select expert groups. The company is positioning the tool to compete with Anthropic's Mythos Preview, which made headlines for identifying unknown security vulnerabilities in high-stakes systems.

CodeMender, which Google first debuted in October 2025, flags and fixes code vulnerabilities. Google DeepMind CTO Koray Kavukcuoglu said the tool aims to "help secure the world's code bases." According to Kavukcuoglu, Google has already begun discussions with governments and enterprises about using CodeMender to audit their systems, though the company did not disclose pricing or specific customer names.

Following Anthropic's lead

Google CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledged Anthropic's influence during a Monday press briefing: "What Mythos has done, and credit to them, is to show that there is a value for the largest-sized model in these kinds of security use cases. But I think it's something we are capable of doing as well."

Anthropic's Mythos Preview generated significant attention after the company positioned it as too powerful for public release. The model helped Anthropic regain favor with the U.S. government following a supply chain risk designation and lawsuit. The company has since secured early-access contracts with major banks, government agencies, and the Federal Reserve.

OpenAI also announced a competing security tool following Anthropic's Mythos Preview release, though details remain limited.

The security AI market

AI companies are increasingly targeting cybersecurity as a revenue driver. With OpenAI reportedly preparing for a potential IPO and Google facing pressure to maintain its lead in AI development, security applications offer a clear path to enterprise and government contracts.

Google has not disclosed when CodeMender will be generally available or what the API pricing structure will be. The company is currently limiting access to select expert groups for testing.

What this means

The race to commercialize AI security tools is accelerating rapidly. Google's move to open CodeMender testing—less than seven months after its initial debut—signals urgency to capture market share before Anthropic and OpenAI establish dominance. Government and enterprise security contracts represent some of the highest-value AI deals available, with customers willing to pay premium prices for tools that protect critical infrastructure. The question is whether Google's existing relationships with enterprises give it an advantage, or if Anthropic's "too powerful to release" narrative has already locked in the most valuable customers.