Commerce Department imposes export controls on Anthropic AI model Mythos/Fable 5

The Commerce Department classified Anthropic's Mythos/Fable 5 as subject to export controls on Friday. The classification makes it illegal for Anthropic to provide the model to any foreign national, including its own employees. Anthropic shut down public access to the model late Friday. The company stated it had no way to restrict access only to foreign users.

Background on prior restrictions The administration banned most federal agency use of Anthropic products at the end of February. The ban included a six-month phase-out period. A National Security Presidential Memorandum issued last week directed agencies to end contracts with uncooperative AI companies while allowing limited waivers for national security needs.

Pentagon relationship and legal actions Anthropic has filed two lawsuits against the Defense Department challenging supply chain risk designations. The export control decision does not alter the legal basis of those cases. Jessica Tillipman, associate dean at George Washington University Law School, said both sides may cite the Commerce action in the litigation.

"Both of those [lawsuits] are under different authorities than the export control directive.