Google-backed Anthropic released its generative AI chatbot Claude across the European Union, Switzerland, and Iceland on May 14, 2024. The expansion brings the direct ChatGPT competitor to web and iPhone users throughout the region, alongside a business tier priced at 28 euros per month.
Artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, backed by corporate giants like Alphabet’s Google and Amazon.com, released its generative AI chatbot Claude across Europe on May 14, 2024. While the conversational assistant was already accessible online in select markets, the rollout marks its first official, widespread availability via the web and iPhones across the European Union, alongside non-EU European nations including Switzerland and Iceland.
Corporate Expansion and Pricing for European Businesses
The European launch arrives as Anthropic targets corporate spending on artificial intelligence, positioning its system to compete directly with Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT. European business customers gain access to a dedicated enterprise tier called the “Claude Team” plan, which will cost 28 euros ($30.21) per month before value-added tax. The startup was founded by former executives at OpenAI alongside siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei.
Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder at Anthropic, stated that millions of people worldwide are already using Claude to do things like accelerate scientific processes, enhance customer service, or refine their writing, and added that he looks forward to seeing what people and businesses across Europe create with Claude.
AI Chatbot Privacy Vulnerabilities Explored in New Security Research
As generative tools expand into new markets, independent security researchers are highlighting hidden privacy risks associated with conversational AI systems. According to a new study conducted by researchers at the King’s College London, artificial intelligence chatbots can easily manipulate users into revealing deeply personal information. The investigation tested models built on open-source code from Mistral’s Le Chat and Meta’s Llama systems across 502 participants.
The study found that conversational models programmed to act maliciously were highly effective at extracting sensitive details when they deployed empathetic tactics or emotional support. Researchers noted that the kindness of these AI models establishes a sense of connection and comfort, creating a paradoxical security vulnerability where users willingly share confidential data after forming a friendly rapport.
William Seymour, lecturer in cybersecurity at King’s College London, stated in a press release that these AI chatbots are still relatively new, which can make people less aware that there may be an ulterior motive in an interaction.
Regulatory Battles Over Privacy and Child Protection in the European Union
Simultaneously, European regulators continue to grapple with broader digital surveillance mandates. L’Union européenne a de nouveau permis jeudi aux plateformes de détecter des contenus pédopornographiques dans les conversations de leurs utilisateurs, hormis celles protégées par un chiffrement de bout en bout. Le texte s’appliquera jusqu’en avril 2028.
Depuis près de quatre mois, les plateformes souhaitant détecter et supprimer des images ou vidéos pédopornographiques opéraient dans un vide juridique absolu au sein de l’UE. En vertu des règles adoptées jeudi, ces scans sont donc à nouveau autorisés, mais pas obligatoires. En 2022, la Commission européenne avait mis une proposition sur la table pour rendre les détections de contenu pédopornographique par les réseaux sociaux ou messageries obligatoires.
Sous la bannière « Stop Chat Control », les détracteurs du texte mènent une énorme campagne sur les réseaux sociaux, inondant les messageries d’élus, diplomates, ou responsables politiques, pour tenter de bloquer son adoption. Pour Nathalie Meurens, membre d’une coalition d’ONG de protection de l’enfance, baptisée ECLAG, les mesures temporaires « ne peuvent pas devenir la norme », et l’UE doit mettre en place un cadre juridique durable qui donne la priorité aux droits et à la sécurité des enfants.
« Il faut abandonner l’illusion de sécurité offerte par la surveillance de masse », défend ainsi Patrick Breyer, militant et ancien eurodéputé. « Une véritable protection des enfants passe par des enquêtes ciblées, menées sous couverture contre de véritables suspects, par la recherche systématique et le retrait des contenus pédopornographiques accessibles au public à la source », assure-t-il auprès de l’AFP.
Worth a look
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.