Anthropic Supports U.S. AI Chip Export Controls but Suggests Tighter Restrictions for Tier 2 Countries

Anthropic Suggests Tweaks to Proposed US AI Chip Export Controls Image Credits: Benjamin Girette/Bloomberg / Getty Images Anthropic, a prominent AI company, agrees with the U.S. government that robust export controls on domestically produced AI chips are essential for maintaining the country's competitive edge against China. However, the company has recommended a few adjustments to the proposed restrictions. In a blog post released on Wednesday, Anthropic stated its strong support for the “Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion,” a set of export control guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The interim rule is scheduled to take effect on May 15. This framework, initially proposed by President Joe Biden in January, aims to enhance national security and solidify the U.S.' leadership in artificial intelligence. It categorizes countries into three tiers, each with its own set of guidelines and restrictions. Tier 3, the most restrictive, includes countries such as Russia and China, which are already subject to existing export controls. These nations will face even tighter limitations on chip purchases. Tier 2 countries, including Mexico and Portugal, will be introduced to export restrictions for the first time, with a cap on their chip acquisitions. Tier 1 countries, like Japan and South Korea, will remain exempt from these controls. When the proposal was first announced in January, Nvidia, a leading semiconductor company, responded critically, labeling the restrictions as "unprecedented and misguided." Nvidia argued that these measures would hinder global innovation. In contrast, U.S.-based AI firms, like Anthropic, largely support the initiative. Despite its overall backing, Anthropic has suggested several modifications to the proposed restrictions. The company recommends reducing the number of chips Tier 2 countries can purchase without additional review and instead promoting government-to-government agreements to prevent smuggling and increase U.S. oversight. Anthropic also advocates for increased government funding to ensure the effective enforcement of these export controls. This stance aligns with the views of Anthropic’s CEO, Dario Amodei, who has long been an outspoken proponent of stricter chip export regulations. In January, Amodei authored an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, emphasizing the importance of these controls for U.S. national security and technological competitiveness. TechCrunch has reached out to Anthropic for further details on its recommendations and the reasoning behind them. The company’s input highlights a growing debate within the tech industry over the balance between innovation and security, particularly as the U.S. faces increasing competition from China in the realm of AI development.