Anthropic warns Nobel-level AI could arrive by 2027, urges classified government channels

Anthropic‘s recommendation for classified communication channels between AI companies and the US government comes amid warnings of rapidly advancing AI capabilities that could match Nobel laureate-level intellect by 2027. This proposal, part of Anthropic’s response to the Trump administration’s AI action plan, signals growing concerns about managing advanced AI systems that could soon perform complex human tasks while potentially creating significant economic disruption.

The big picture: Anthropic has called for secure information-sharing mechanisms between AI developers and government agencies to address emerging national security threats from increasingly powerful AI systems.

• The AI company predicts systems capable of “matching or exceeding” Nobel Prize winner intellect could arrive as soon as 2026 or 2027.
• Anthropic points to its latest model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet (which can play Pokémon), as evidence of AI’s rapid evolution.

Key recommendations: Anthropic outlines several security measures it believes the US government should implement to maintain technological leadership.

• The company advocates for “classified communication channels between AI labs and intelligence agencies” along with “expedited security clearances for industry professionals.”
• It recommends developing new security standards specifically for AI infrastructure to protect against potential threats.

Economic implications: The company warns that advanced AI systems will soon be capable of performing jobs currently done by “highly capable” humans.

• Future AI systems will navigate digital interfaces and control physical equipment, including laboratory and manufacturing tools.
• To monitor potential “large-scale changes to the economy,” Anthropic suggests “modernizing economic data collection, like the Census Bureau’s surveys.”

Policy context: Despite the Trump administration’s reversal of Biden-era AI regulations in favor of a more hands-off approach, Anthropic insists on continued government involvement.

• The company recommends that the government track AI development, create “standard assessment frameworks,” and accelerate its own adoption of AI tools.
• This aligns with one stated goal of Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Infrastructure priorities: Anthropic emphasizes the need for substantial investment in AI computing resources and supply chain protection.

• The company backs major infrastructure initiatives like the $500 billion Stargate project.
• It also supports further restrictions on semiconductor exports to adversarial nations.