The European Commission gains new powers to inspect, restrict, and fine general-purpose AI model providers.
The European Commission has established new powers to evaluate, restrict, and fine general-purpose AI model providers, regardless of their geographic location. Under these new rules, the Commission can demand model evaluations before public release, restrict market access, and issue fines of up to 15 million euros or 3% of annual turnover. These powers are part of a staggered rollout of the 2024 EU AI Act, which aims to create a single market for trustworthy AI while addressing risks to health, safety, and fundamental rights. Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy at the European Commission, stated that proper design and use of AI is critical to prevent harms on a new scale. The new powers could increase tensions with the U.S. administration, as Europe seeks tech sovereignty and the U.S. administration has previously threatened tariffs on American tech companies like Google. The European Commission and Anthropic have been approached for comments. The European Commission and Anthropic have been approached for comments.