AI takes centre stage at G7 as Western fears over US ‘kill switch’ get real
AI Takes Centre Stage at G7 as Western Fears Over US ‘Kill Switch’ Get Real
AI takes centre stage at G7 - The G7 summit in France has placed artificial intelligence at the forefront of global discourse, with leaders grappling over its strategic implications. As the third day of the meeting unfolds, concerns about the United States' ability to exert control over critical technologies have intensified. France, under President Emmanuel Macron, has made AI a central focus of its presidency, convening Western allies, partner nations, and leading tech figures to shape a vision for the future of artificial intelligence. Yet, the discussions are overshadowed by the looming specter of a US "kill switch," a power that has become a tangible reality in the current geopolitical climate.
France's push for AI dominance has positioned Paris as a key player in the global race for technological leadership. Macron, who faces the final major international stage before his term concludes, has positioned his presidency as a defining moment for European innovation. The French leader aims to solidify France's role as a hub for AI research and investment, aligning the country's ambitions with broader European efforts to reduce dependence on foreign tech giants. However, the atmosphere at the summit has been anything but optimistic, as the recent US actions have left many allies unsettled.
On Friday, Washington unveiled sweeping export controls that severed access to Anthropic's most advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, for all non-American users. The move forced Anthropic to "abruptly disable" access to these systems, demonstrating the US government's readiness to cut off global access to its cutting-edge technology. This decision has confirmed one of Europe's most persistent fears: the United States could, at any moment, restrict the use of its AI tools to countries it deems a threat. The US cited national security as the rationale, emphasizing the models' unparalleled ability to detect and exploit cyber vulnerabilities, which could be weaponized in times of conflict.
The abrupt nature of the restrictions has left European allies caught off guard, delivering a stark reminder of their reliance on American technology. While the US justifies these measures as necessary for safeguarding strategic interests, critics argue they risk fragmenting international collaboration. Thomas Regnier, the European Commission’s spokesperson for tech sovereignty, voiced this concern, stating,
“We are a trusted partner. I would challenge you to find a more trusted partner than Europe.”
The sentiment reflects a broader unease within the EU, where policymakers are now questioning whether US dominance in AI is a boon or a burden.
The timing of the US restrictions has been particularly jarring. Brussels was preparing to join the Pax Silvisa, an initiative led by Washington to secure global supply chains for AI chips and essential minerals, when the export controls were announced. This has created a dilemma: while the EU seeks to align with US priorities, it also wants to protect its own technological independence. The move has dealt a blow to advocates of closer transatlantic ties, who argue that a unified Western front is crucial in the face of global competitors like China.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei will attend the summit’s working lunch, offering US allies a direct opportunity to raise concerns with President Donald Trump. The AI Action Plan, released by the Trump administration in July 2025, outlines a vision for American AI to set the global benchmark, urging allies to adopt technologies developed within the US. This strategy has drawn criticism from European officials, who see it as a way to assert control over the tech sector while sidelining international partners. With five American CEOs attending the G7, compared to one representative from each of the other participating nations, the US holds a dominant position in shaping the industry’s future.
Despite its current influence, the US tech industry may face long-term consequences from its export policies. Regnier highlighted the growing importance of technological sovereignty, noting,
“Tech is more and more becoming a strategic asset. Europe must be able to act on its own terms.”
The Anthropic episode has reinforced this belief, proving that Washington can restrict access to its technologies regardless of political alliances. This has raised alarms about the potential for the US to leverage AI as a tool for both economic and military advantage, while also creating dependencies that could be exploited in times of crisis.
Brando Benifei, an MEP from the S&D group in Italy, echoed these sentiments, warning that the Anthropic "kill switch" demonstrates the urgency of European tech independence.
“The G7 should not lock allies into competing AI dependencies. Europe must cooperate with the US, Canada and democratic partners, but from a position of strength.”
The EU’s push for sovereignty is not just about reducing reliance on American systems—it is also about ensuring that critical infrastructure, from defense networks to financial systems, remains resilient against sudden technological shutdowns.
As the summit continues, the debate over AI governance is set to intensify. While the US seeks to maintain its technological edge, European leaders are determined to chart a path toward self-reliance. The French presidency’s focus on AI underscores the need for a balanced approach: harnessing the benefits of innovation while safeguarding against the risks of unilateral control. For now, the discussions reflect a growing awareness that the future of AI is not just a question of progress, but of power—and who holds it.