UK Denies Seeking Carve-Out from US AI Export Controls on Anthropic Models
Quick Look
- The UK has denied seeking an exemption from US export controls on Anthropic's advanced AI models.
- A spokesperson stated that the UK is in contact with the US and Anthropic, emphasizing responsible AI development and child safety online.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US imposed export controls on Anthropic's advanced AI models due to concerns about bypassing safeguards. This has led to renewed calls for digital sovereignty in the UK and Europe.
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not sought a carve-out to U.S. export controls imposed on Anthropic’s most advanced AI models, a spokesperson said ahead of a lunch between G7 leaders and tech CEOs.
The U.S. government imposed the controls on Friday over concerns that the models’ built-in safeguards could be bypassed. Anthropic said it would comply with the order by removing access to the models for all users.
The incident has reignited concerns about the U.K.’s overreliance on U.S. technology and increased calls for “digital sovereignty,” amid similar fears across Europe.
However, a No. 10 spokesperson said media reports that the U.K. — which has deep security and defense ties with its U.S. ally — has sought a carve out from the controls were “categorically untrue.”
“We’re in regular and constructive contact with both the U.S. government and Anthropic to understand the full picture, and they’re monitoring the situation closely,” the spokesperson said.
The comments are a further sign that European governments believe the incident is part of an isolated standoff between the White House and the leading AI firm and remain wary of stoking U.S. President Donald Trump’s anger by wading into the issue.
The No. 10 spokesperson said the U.K. would continue to work “with industry” to ensure AI is rolled out “in a responsible way.” The U.K.’s AI Security Institute has tested many of the most advanced AI models ahead of public release through voluntary partnerships with leading companies including Anthropic.
In remarks shared ahead of the lunch with top AI CEOs, Starmer focused on the need to keep children safe online, just days after he announced plans to ban under-16s from social media.
“I don’t just want Britain to lead the tech revolution, I want us to drive who this change is actually for,” Starmer said. “So my message to tech bosses is clear: work with us to keep kids safe or I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.”
Open Questions
- Will other countries implement similar controls?
- What are the long-term implications for AI development?
- How will the UK balance US tech reliance with digital sovereignty?
