SAN FRANCISCO, United States: US-based artificial intelligence giant Anthropic has imposed a sweeping ban on companies majority-owned by Chinese entities from accessing its AI services, even if those firms operate outside mainland China. The move marks one of the strongest stances yet by a major US tech firm to curb Chinese-linked access to advanced AI tools.
The company, known for developing the Claude AI platform, stated that its new rules will apply to all organisations with over 50% Chinese ownership, effectively closing previous loopholes where subsidiaries or third-party cloud platforms were being used to bypass restrictions. The decision also extends to other regions identified as “unsupported,” including Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Industry experts describe this as a landmark policy, as it is the first time a leading American AI firm has restricted access based not only on geography but also on ownership structure. While analysts suggest the financial impact may be limited, the move carries enormous geopolitical weight, aligning closely with Washington’s concerns over safeguarding AI innovation from potential adversarial use.
Observers say the decision could set a precedent for other US-based AI firms, with growing pressure on the tech sector to take clearer positions in line with national security policies. This step is also expected to spark debate in global AI governance circles, where the tension between innovation and regulation remains unresolved.
By barring Chinese-controlled entities, Anthropic has not only reinforced its commitment to AI safety and responsible use but also underlined the intensifying link between artificial intelligence and global power politics.
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