Anthropic, a startup valued at nearly $1 trillion, is pushing states to adopt stricter AI regulations as the company argues that current transparency-focused laws are no longer sufficient to address the risks of advanced AI systems. Cesar Fernandez, Anthropic’s head of US state and local government relations, told WIRED that the policies enacted in 2025 are a starting point, but they must evolve to match the rapid advancement of AI capabilities. "We think that transparency and self-reporting are no longer sufficient safety measures for the most powerful AI systems," Fernandez said. The company has supported several state-level proposals, including laws requiring third-party audits of AI labs and measures to prevent noncompliant companies from operating.
Anthropic’s pro-regulation stance is notable given its position as a major player in the AI industry. The company has endorsed some of the nation’s harshest proposed regulations on frontier AI companies, which are designed to mitigate catastrophic risks, such as financial disasters or mass deaths. Beyond California and New York, Anthropic has supported an Illinois measure requiring AI labs to undergo third-party safety evaluations and a Massachusetts policy that empowers the state’s attorney general to seek injunctive relief from noncompliant companies. Fernandez, who previously worked for FanDuel and Uber, is seen as a valuable asset as states take the lead in AI regulation while Congress remains stalled.
Fernandez emphasized that Anthropic’s goal is to ensure the safe transition to a world with advanced AI, arguing that any company capable of developing powerful AI systems should be subject to the same regulations. "Our mission is to make sure that this transition to a world with advanced AI goes well for Americans and humanity," he said. However, Anthropic has drawn criticism from some Silicon Valley leaders, who accuse the company of using fear-mongering to push for regulations that could trap smaller AI startups in red tape. Despite these claims, Fernandez maintains that the company’s focus is on ensuring safety and transparency for all AI developers.
Source: wired
