Anthropic proposes law regulating AI to US lawmakers

Source summary

The company’s draft bill would let Washington block a model’s release if there is an imminent risk of killing more than 50 people or causing more than $1 billion in damages, but only with a judge’s approval

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Anthropic, the developer of the AI assistant Claude, is circulating a draft bill among US lawmakers to regulate artificial intelligence, aiming to address the lack of federal legislation on AI risks. The proposed law would allow Washington to block the release or use of an AI model if it poses an imminent risk of killing over 50 people or causing more than $1 billion in damages, subject to a judge's approval. This move comes as current US AI policy under President Donald Trump has primarily relied on voluntary industry pledges and executive orders.

• Anthropic confirmed on Friday, October 16, 2026, it is circulating a draft bill among US lawmakers to regulate AI.
• The draft bill would permit Washington to block an AI model's release if it poses an imminent risk of killing over 50 people or causing more than $1 billion in damages.
• Such a block would require a judge's approval.
• A company spokesperson stated the proposal grants the federal government the ability to block or deter dangerous deployments of the most powerful models.
• The proposed legislation would also override certain state laws, such as those in force in California.

Why it matters

This story highlights a significant shift in the AI industry's approach to regulation, with a major developer actively proposing federal legislation rather than relying solely on voluntary guidelines. The proposed bill's focus on catastrophic risk thresholds and judicial oversight could set a precedent for how advanced AI models are governed, potentially impacting innovation, national security, and the balance of power between federal and state authorities in AI regulation.

Historical background

The Trump administration established the American AI Initiative in February 2019 via Executive Order 13859, aiming to strengthen American leadership in AI through deregulation and innovation.

Industry-Led Regulation

Anthropic's proposal demonstrates a proactive effort by a leading AI developer to shape federal regulation, suggesting a growing recognition within the industry that self-governance alone may be insufficient for managing advanced AI risks.

Balancing Innovation and Safety

The US government, under President Trump, has prioritized sustaining an AI boom through deregulation, creating a tension with emerging concerns about AI safety and the need for robust federal oversight.

Timeline

1. 2025-01-23: President Donald Trump issues Executive Order 14179, "Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence."

   This executive order revoked prior AI policies and directed agencies to remove barriers to US AI leadership, setting a deregulatory tone for AI policy under the Trump administration.

2. 2026-10-16: Anthropic confirms it is circulating a draft bill among US lawmakers to regulate artificial intelligence.

   This marks a proactive step by a leading AI company to shape federal legislation, reflecting a growing industry recognition of the need for formal oversight beyond voluntary pledges.

What to watch

Monitor the progress of Anthropic's draft bill and the FRONTIER Act in the US Congress after next month's midterm elections.