US lifts export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5

The U.S. Department of Commerce has lifted export controls on Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 artificial intelligence models, allowing the company to begin restoring access globally. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that officials worked closely with Anthropic over the past two weeks to analyze and approve Fable 5, ensuring alignment across the U.S. government and strengthening America's leadership in AI. The decision resolves a national security-driven standoff that had previously restricted access to these models for foreign nationals.

Access Restoration and Rollout Plan

Anthropic confirmed that Fable 5 will begin rolling out globally on Wednesday across the Claude platform, Claude.ai, and Claude Code. The company plans to restore access through Amazon.com, Inc. Web Services, Alphabet Inc.’s Google Cloud, and Microsoft Corp’s Foundry as quickly as possible. Additionally, Anthropic will continue expanding access through its Glasswing cybersecurity program, which provides vetted organizations with advanced AI models for defensive security testing.

Regulatory Background and Safeguards

The restrictions were initially imposed in mid-June under a government directive issued under national security authorities. Prior to the complete lift, the Commerce Department had permitted the release of the Claude Mythos 5 model to select U.S. organizations after receiving government approval on June 26. Earlier, Lutnick had stated in a letter to Anthropic co-founder Tom Brown that appropriate safeguards were in place to permit certain trusted partners to access the Claude Mythos 5 model, while approval for the consumer-facing Fable 5 remained withheld.

Sector-Wide Regulatory Landscape

The regulatory environment has tightened across the AI sector, with rival OpenAI recently unveiling its GPT 5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna models. OpenAI limited the initial distribution of these models to trusted partners at the government's request, driven by GPT 5.6's capabilities, which were considered comparable to Anthropic's Mythos model. Both OpenAI and Anthropic have confidentially filed paperwork as they prepare for potential initial public offerings.

Restoration Deadline	Probability
Before Jul 10, 2026	47%
Before Jul 17, 2026	58%
Before Jul 24, 2026	61%

Government Statements and Market Reaction

David Sacks, co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, had previously indicated that Fable 5 could return to general release once Anthropic resolved the "safety issue." President Donald Trump had also commented on the shifting threat assessment, noting the administration's continued evaluation of the balance between the model's capabilities and national security risks. Ahead of the approval, prediction markets on the federally authorized platform Kalshi reflected strong market interest in the resolution of these restrictions.

California has entered a partnership with Anthropic to provide state agencies access to its Claude AI assistant, aiming to enhance government service delivery through automation and training. The agreement allows agencies to purchase Claude at a reduced cost while receiving free workforce training and technical support to integrate generative AI into their operations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize state workflows and improve efficiency without displacing public employees.

Key Features of the Partnership

The collaboration focuses on deploying Claude for tasks such as drafting and condensing documents, reviewing information, and supporting daily operations. Agencies can access the AI tools through the California Department of Technology’s SITeS portal, which centralizes procurement and displays pricing tied to specific business uses. The portal is designed to streamline software purchases and reduce friction for departments seeking new technology.

Agency Applications and Testing

Several state departments have already tested Claude in various capacities. The California Department of Technology and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) are utilizing Claude Security and Claude Code for cyber defense tasks. Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Department of Health Care Services are applying Claude to customer service and internal process improvements. Other pilot programs include work related to Engaged California and an internal tool named Poppy.

Strategic Alignment and Workforce Impact

Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized that the technology is intended to assist rather than replace human workers, stating that AI should help employees move faster and solve problems more effectively. The partnership aligns with prior state actions, including executive orders, workforce training programs, and legislation focused on transparency for advanced AI systems. Government Operations Agency Secretary Nick Maduros highlighted the necessity of modern tools for state teams, while California State Chief Information Officer Chris Given noted that leveraging the state’s purchasing power would facilitate faster and more cost-effective procurement.

Anthropic’s Role and Perspective

Anthropic’s Head of the Americas, Kate Jensen, described the project as a home-state responsibility, expressing the company’s commitment to building AI responsibly and in service of people. The partnership reflects Anthropic’s approach to deploying generative AI in practical, workforce-supportive applications within the public sector.