Anthropic investor Lonsdale says AI firms stoking fear to sway policy
QQQ•Joe Lonsdale criticized AI companies’ efforts to warn about existential risks, saying fear-driven regulation could entrench market power, while calling AI safety a real concern. He also said companies he backs are likely to buy Ukrainian defense firms.
1. AI policy concerns
Joe Lonsdale, an investor in Anthropic and co-founder of Palantir, said efforts by people close to Anthropic and OpenAI to support groups advocating stronger AI regulation could let a small number of companies shape industry rules and entrench their market power. “Safety is a real thing, but fear and regulation — we've got to be really careful how we respond to those things,” he said. Lonsdale also praised Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and said the company had assembled exceptional talent and emerged as a leader in the AI race.
2. Potential Ukrainian deals
Lonsdale said companies he has backed, including defense technology firms, are likely to buy some Ukrainian defense companies. He said Ukrainian drone and defense technology firms had advanced rapidly by adapting battlefield systems, and described opportunities for deeper partnerships and potential acquisitions.
3. Weapons and Pentagon role
Lonsdale said AI-powered autonomous weapons are the future of warfare but that military leaders must remain accountable. Asked about a possible senior Pentagon role, he said he would consider a request from the president but was focused on building his businesses and community.
