Export controls have become a major concern for companies operating in the artificial intelligence sector, as they were recently tightened by the US government. Anthropic, a leading provider of AI models, has been at the center of this controversy after its two most powerful models were taken offline due to export control restrictions.
As of June 13, 2026, these AI models are now unavailable for use in any product or service that could be exported to countries subject to US sanctions. This move is seen as a major escalation of the global battle for AI sovereignty, with some arguing it signals a shift towards more stringent regulations. The European Union and Canada have expressed concerns about the implications of this policy change, given Anthropic's international workforce.
The situation has sparked calls for greater cooperation among countries to address the issue of AI export controls. Some experts believe that stricter regulations are necessary to prevent the misuse of AI technology by malicious actors. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by AI, it remains to be seen how these new restrictions will be implemented and how they will impact companies like Anthropic in the years to come.