US govt could review AI models before public release amid Mythos concerns

The administration under U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a significant shift in its approach to artificial intelligence (AI) by potentially reviewing AI models before they are accessible to the public. This deliberation arises in the context of increasing cybersecurity concerns related to Anthropic’s recent Claude Mythos model. According to a report by the New York Times, the White House is looking to issue an executive order that would establish a specialized group consisting of technology leaders and government officials. This group would focus on developing regulations or review processes for new AI models prior to their public release. However, discussions are ongoing, and no concrete decisions have been made at this point. Currently, the Trump administration is engaging in talks with executives from major tech firms, including Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI, regarding these ideas for AI oversight. Furthermore, there are plans to create a system that would grant early or prioritized access to advanced AI models before they become widely available. Support for this approach reportedly stems from several White House officials who view it as a necessary measure to address the potential risks associated with powerful AI systems like the Claude Mythos. This is not the first instance of the government contemplating AI oversight; in 2023, the Biden administration also issued an executive order aimed at ensuring safety test results for AI technologies. The rationale behind such regulations is to guarantee that the AI tools utilized by the public are both unbiased and secure. While Trump has championed AI innovation, cautioning against excessive restrictions, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has echoed concerns that overregulating the AI sector could stifle a burgeoning industry. Nevertheless, the escalating concerns regarding powerful AI models, as well as implications for cybersecurity and national security, seem to be steering the government toward a more vigilant stance.