Anthropic investor Lonsdale says AI firms stoke fear to sway policy

Joe Lonsdale, an investor in Anthropic and Palantir co-founder, said Friday that leading AI companies are stoking existential-risk fears to influence policy, potentially creating an oligopoly that controls industry rules. Lonsdale criticized efforts by people close to Anthropic and OpenAI to fund outside groups advocating stronger AI regulation, arguing this could entrench market power for a few firms. He praised Anthropic's talent while warning against fear-driven regulation. Lonsdale also discussed defense investments, predicting US firms may acquire Ukrainian defense companies, and said AI-powered autonomous weapons require human accountability. He declined to comment on potential Pentagon roles, citing family and business priorities.