AI firms stoking fear to sway policy, says Anthropic investor Lonsdale

Investor Joe Lonsdale criticized leading AI companies for warning of existential risks, calling it a dangerous attempt to shape public policy and entrench market power. He made the remarks at the Reuters Momentum AI Austin event on Friday. Lonsdale, an Anthropic investor and Palantir co-founder, accused OpenAI and Anthropic of funding outside groups to advocate stronger regulation, potentially creating an oligopoly. He praised Anthropic's talent despite the criticism, while noting its CEO and others have urged slowing AI development. Lonsdale also discussed defense opportunities, predicting US firms may acquire Ukrainian defense companies. He stressed military leaders must remain accountable for autonomous weapons, and addressed speculation about a potential Pentagon role, saying his focus remains on family and businesses.