Anthropic has announced that the US commerce department has lifted export controls on its Fable and Mythos AI models, just under three weeks after the company was ordered to suspend access to its most advanced AI systems over national security concerns. The company said it will begin restoring access to the models for foreign nationals starting Wednesday.
Background of the Export Ban
US authorities blocked access to the models on national security grounds several weeks ago. In a letter to Anthropic seen by Reuters, US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the export controls were withdrawn and that a license is no longer required for their export. The decision comes after Anthropic agreed to proactively detect and address security risks associated with the models, work diligently with the US government on protocols and standards for releases, and inform the US government of any malicious activity.
Anthropic's Response
“We’ll begin restoring access tomorrow,” Anthropic said in a statement on X late on Tuesday. The company had abruptly disabled its Mythos 5 and Fable 5 models following the export-control order on 12 June. On Friday, the US government allowed it to release Mythos 5 to some “trusted” US organizations, partially reversing the order.
Broader Context of AI Oversight
The US has stepped up oversight of new AI releases to identify potential threats amid concerns that advanced models driving the sector’s boom and major capital investments could be misused by military intelligence users in China, Russia, or other countries of concern. The government’s vetting of which companies can gain access to the models has drawn criticism. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said last week that extensive safety testing “is not a bad idea. I just don’t like the idea of the government picking the customers.” ChatGPT-maker OpenAI delayed a full public launch of GPT-5.6 at the US government’s request, limiting its access to a small group of vetted partners.
Lutnick's Statement
“Anthropic has agreed to proactively detect and address security risks associated with the models; to work diligently with the US government on protocols and standards and releases for Mythos, Fable, and future models; and to inform the US government of any malicious activity,” Lutnick said.
Impact and Future Steps
The lifting of export controls marks a significant shift in US policy, allowing Anthropic to resume global access to its powerful AI systems. The company will continue to collaborate with US authorities to ensure security standards are maintained. The decision is expected to have wide-ranging implications for the AI industry, particularly regarding the balance between innovation and national security.
