Anthropic Halts AI Sales to China Over Security Concerns

Anthropic Limits AI Sales to China

Anthropic announced it will stop selling its AI services to companies with majority Chinese ownership. This marks the first time a US AI firm has restricted sales specifically to China. The leadership aims to reduce Beijing’s chances of using this technology for military and intelligence purposes.

The company expects this decision to impact revenues by "the low hundreds of millions of dollars." China is increasingly incorporating AI into its military, with companies helping design underwater drones and real-time combat systems, according to reports.

Argentina Lawmakers Overturn Milei’s Veto

Argentina’s opposition-led Senate overturned a key veto from President Javier Milei ahead of important legislative elections. Milei had blocked a bill to increase pensions and disability benefits, claiming it conflicted with his austerity measures that helped lower inflation.

This is the first sign that Milei must now work with Congress after relying heavily on executive powers. His confrontational style and emerging corruption allegations involving senior officials, including his sister, may weaken his party’s position in the October elections.

DR Congo Suffers New Ebola Outbreak

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a new Ebola outbreak that has claimed at least 15 lives. Ebola spreads through bodily fluids and periodically resurfaces in Central and West Africa, with fatality rates around 50%, varying by strain and care quality.

The outbreak strains an already fragile healthcare system amid ongoing conflict in eastern regions. Past outbreaks, like the 2014 West Africa epidemic, killed thousands, underscoring the need for swift containment and medical response.

Thai Parliament Elects New PM

Thailand has appointed Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, its third in a year. He replaces Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was suspended after a leaked phone call with a former Cambodian leader, amidst ongoing border tensions between the two countries.

Charnvirakul leads a minority coalition and has promised elections within four months. However, political instability remains a concern, with elections frequently followed by crises in the country’s recent history.

Israel Vows to Expand Gaza Push

Israeli forces have taken control of 40% of Gaza City amid an ongoing military offensive. Officials warn this operation could worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis, as thousands flee their homes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the campaign will continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled, despite military assessments that full eradication is unlikely. The US continues its support for Israel, recently imposing sanctions on Palestinian rights groups calling for war crimes investigations.

Wind Giant Ørsted Sues White House

Energy company Ørsted and two US states have filed a lawsuit against the White House for halting a near-complete offshore wind farm. The project, aimed at powering 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut, was 80% finished before being stopped by executive orders.

The move reflects the current administration’s shift away from renewables, which has led to a 40% drop in Ørsted’s stock. However, courts have challenged some of these executive actions, such as the recent ruling against funding cuts to Harvard University.

US Pulls Military Support from Eastern Europe

The US is scaling back much of its military support in Eastern Europe, aiming to push European nations to increase their defense spending. The White House praised Europe’s efforts but wants it to take more responsibility for its own security.

European countries have raised military budgets in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At a recent summit, 26 European nations expressed readiness to participate in a postwar peacekeeping mission. However, EU officials warn that the US pullback might signal weakness to Russia.