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New Delhi: Anthropic, the artificial intelligence company behind the Claude platform, has suspended access to its most advanced AI systems after receiving a US government export control directive aimed at restricting foreign access to cutting-edge technology.

The decision affects the company’s flagship models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, which are now unavailable worldwide following the order.

US Government Issues Export Control Directive

According to reports, the US Commerce Department instructed Anthropic to prevent foreign nationals from accessing its most advanced AI technologies. The directive reportedly extends to non-US citizens working within American companies as well as users located outside the United States.

Officials cited national security concerns and the potential misuse of highly capable AI systems. The order was reportedly linked to fears that certain safeguards could be bypassed, creating opportunities to exploit software vulnerabilities.

Global Restrictions Implemented

Anthropic said it received the directive late on Friday and moved quickly to comply. Because the company was unable to selectively enforce the restrictions in real time, access to the affected models was suspended globally.

While Fable 5 and Mythos 5 have been taken offline, Anthropic confirmed that other AI products and services remain available to users.

Company Questions The Decision

Although the company complied with the government’s instructions, it reportedly disagreed with the scope of the restrictions. Anthropic argued that the issue involved a limited technical concern rather than a broader security threat.

The company also indicated that it received limited details regarding the government’s assessment, leading it to question whether the response was proportionate to the risk involved.

A New Era Of AI Regulation?

Industry observers say the development could mark a significant turning point in how governments regulate artificial intelligence technologies.

Historically, export controls have focused on physical technologies such as advanced semiconductors and computing hardware. The latest move suggests that advanced AI systems themselves may now become subject to stricter oversight.

Experts believe the decision could influence future regulatory frameworks as governments worldwide grapple with growing concerns surrounding AI security, cybersecurity risks, and access to increasingly powerful digital tools.