Anthropic service suspension stirs French politics: "AI war" and "digital sovereignty" become focal points in presidential election

The U.S. government's decision to suspend access to certain advanced artificial intelligence models for "all foreign citizens," announced on Saturday, June 13, has triggered strong reactions within French presidential election campaigns. Several prominent political figures have warned that an "artificial intelligence war" has already begun, emphasizing the need for France and Europe to break free from dependence on American technology.

According to AFP reporting, U.S.-based AI pioneer Anthropic was forced on Friday, June 12, to cut off access to its most powerful AI model at the request of the U.S. government. This unprecedented move has shaken the global tech community.

According to a statement released by Anthropic, Washington invoked national security risks under export control regulations, ordering a ban on "any foreign citizen, regardless of whether they are located within or outside the United States," from accessing the relevant models—this even includes non-U.S. employees working within Anthropic itself.

Anne Le Hénanff, France’s minister-level representative for digital affairs, said: "European digital sovereignty is more necessary than ever." She pointed out that "major powers currently regard strategic technologies as essential tools of national strength."

Jordan Bardella, president of France’s far-right National Rally party, posted on social platform X: "This sudden decision once again reminds us that artificial intelligence has become a critical issue of national sovereignty." He called on France to accelerate support for domestic AI company Mistral AI and the entire French AI ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France’s left-wing party "La France Insoumise," argued that the U.S. move "proves the urgency of achieving independence and sovereignty." At the same time, he characterized the action as a "political purge" by the U.S. government against Anthropic, describing the company as one that "advocates ethical AI."

For years, AI safety has been a core commercial selling point for Anthropic—and this very stance has brought it into conflict with the Trump administration.

In early March this year, the Pentagon terminated its contract with Anthropic and classified the company as a "supply chain risk." In response, Anthropic filed a lawsuit, claiming the sanctions were imposed because the company refused to allow its AI systems to be used for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons projects. Previously, Anthropic’s models were the only AI systems certified at the U.S. Department of Defense’s highest secret classification level.

"The AI war has already begun"

Gabriel Attal, former prime minister and leader of the ruling Renaissance party, stated: "The AI war has already begun." He added: "We cannot rely on others, because that would make us vulnerable. The U.S. decision has already proven this. Anthropic is the Hormuz Strait in their hands."

Another former prime minister and centrist figure, Édouard Philippe, also issued a warning: "Artificial intelligence is as crucial as electricity and the internet," but Europe currently "does not control either the models or the computing power." The mayor of Le Havre urged Europe to "wake up quickly," prioritize building a European indigenous technology market, and simplify regulatory rules that effectively benefit U.S. tech giants.

Bruno Retailleau, presidential candidate of the Republican Party, called for France to develop artificial intelligence "as it did with nuclear energy," treating it as a vital component of national sovereignty. He even publicly invited Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, to visit Paris: "Welcome to Paris."

Olivier Faure, first secretary of the Socialist Party, also declared: "We have entered a new world where we can only rely on ourselves first." He called for Europe to build "genuine European strength" and enhance strategic autonomy.

The Anthropic service suspension incident has not only caused shock in the tech sector but has rapidly evolved into a major issue in the French presidential election. Debates over artificial intelligence, digital sovereignty, and European technological independence are now emerging as central battlegrounds across all political camps in France.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867926102444105/

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