August 3, 2025

analysis  
Anthropic Blocks OpenAI Claude Access, $30M Funding, EU AI Rules

The EU's new AI rules went into partial effect on August 2nd, requiring member states to designate enforcement bodies, a move that has sparked tension with the US and criticism from 38 global organizations concerned about intellectual property protection under the new regulations. Meanwhile, Senators Warren and Rounds are urging the Secretaries of Commerce and State to bolster security for US AI data centers, aiming to keep AI technology within the country and prevent intellectual property theft. In company-specific news, Anthropic has blocked OpenAI's access to its Claude AI model, alleging that OpenAI violated the terms of service by using Claude to develop competing products like GPT-5. On the funding front, AI startup Fundamental Research Labs, which is developing AI agents capable of automating tasks and solving financial models, has secured $30 million in Series A funding. In policy news, the Trump administration has released its AI Action Plan, which aims to accelerate AI innovation by revoking Biden's AI guardrails, a move supported by Utah business leaders. Z Advanced Computing (ZAC) is also contributing to the US's AI competitiveness with its Cognitive Explainable-AI (CXAI) algorithms, which require fewer training samples and less computing power. Beyond the tech sector, a look at the mining industry in 2025 shows the environmental impact of extracting resources like aluminum and rare earth elements, highlighting the need for sustainable practices. In Australia, embracing AI is seen as a way to create jobs, boost productivity, and improve living standards, while skilled trades are being touted as AI-proof careers offering stability and opportunities.

Key Takeaways

  • EU's AI rules are now partially in effect, requiring member states to designate enforcement bodies.
  • 38 global organizations are criticizing the EU's AI Act, citing concerns over intellectual property protection.
  • Senators Warren and Rounds are pushing for stronger security measures for US AI data centers.
  • Anthropic has blocked OpenAI's access to its Claude AI model, alleging terms of service violations.
  • Fundamental Research Labs, an AI startup focused on AI agents, has received $30 million in Series A funding.
  • The Trump administration's AI Action Plan aims to accelerate AI innovation by revoking Biden's AI guardrails.
  • Z Advanced Computing (ZAC)'s AI tech is helping the US compete globally with efficient AI algorithms.
  • Mining for resources like aluminum and rare earth elements is expected to have a significant environmental impact in 2025.
  • Australia is looking to AI to create jobs and boost productivity.
  • Skilled trades like electricians and plumbers are highlighted as AI-proof career paths.

EU's AI rules begin amid US tensions

New European Union rules on artificial intelligence started August 2, affecting tech companies. The 27 EU countries must tell the European Commission which groups will enforce the rules. This means closer checks on AI services. Some countries still need to pick their enforcers. France has chosen groups like the Directorate General for Competition Policy and the French Data Protection Authority.

AI Act faces criticism from global creators

Thirty-eight global organizations are unhappy with how the European Union is putting its AI rules into action. They feel the rules don't protect intellectual property well enough. The groups are concerned about the 'Code of Practice, the GPAI Guidelines, and the Template for disclosure'. They say the AI Act doesn't live up to its promises. The AI rules in the European Union took partial effect on August 2.

Senators push for strong security for US AI data centers

Two senators want the government to make sure US AI data centers are secure. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Mike Rounds wrote to the Secretaries of Commerce and State about protecting AI infrastructure. They want companies to keep their AI technology in the United States. They worry that other countries, like China, could steal intellectual property. The senators mentioned the need for strong security even with the Biden administration's AI Diffusion Rule.

Anthropic blocks OpenAI's access to Claude AI model

Anthropic stopped OpenAI from using its Claude AI model because OpenAI violated the terms of service. OpenAI was using Claude to test its own AI models, like the upcoming GPT-5. Anthropic said OpenAI was using Claude to build a competing product. Anthropic will still allow OpenAI to use Claude for standard testing. This follows a similar move where Anthropic restricted AI coding startup Windsurf's access.

Mining's impact on environment in 2025

In 2025, mining for resources like aluminum and rare earth elements is harming the environment. Area strip mining disturbs land and hurts biodiversity. Bauxite mining leads to deforestation and water contamination. Mining can generate tons of waste for each ton of material extracted. Sustainable mining practices are needed to balance economic growth with protecting the environment and addressing climate change.

AI startup Fundamental Research Labs gets $30M investment

Fundamental Research Labs, an AI startup, received $30 million in Series A funding. The company is creating AI agents that can work like humans. Their apps, Fairies and Shortcut, automate tasks and solve financial models. Investors are interested in AI agents that can increase productivity. The funding will help Fundamental Research Labs build more advanced AI systems and digital humans.

Trump's AI plan and its impact on Utah

The Trump administration released its AI Action Plan, which revokes Biden's AI guardrails. Utah business leaders support the plan, which aims to speed up AI innovation. Utah already has some of the first AI regulations. The plan focuses on innovation, infrastructure, and international leadership in AI. Salt Lake Chamber CEO Derek Miller believes AI will change everything and that removing regulations will help businesses.

ZAC's AI tech helps US compete globally

Z Advanced Computing, Inc. (ZAC) is helping the US compete in artificial intelligence. Their Cognitive Explainable-AI (CXAI) algorithms need only a few training samples. ZAC's AI uses less computing power and energy. The technology has been used in projects for the US Air Force and Bosch. ZAC has over 450 inventions and 14 US patents.

AI revolution can create jobs in Australia

Australia should embrace the AI revolution to create more jobs. AI can boost productivity and improve living standards. It can also lower trade costs and increase problem-solving. While some worry about job losses, AI is expected to enhance skills. The government's role is to help workers benefit from technological change and invest in skills training.

Skilled trades are AI-proof careers

While coding is important, skilled trades like electricians and plumbers are in high demand. These jobs cannot be easily replaced by AI. Electricians can earn high salaries and trade entrepreneurs can build successful businesses. There is a growing shortage of skilled workers in these fields. Skilled trades offer stability and opportunities for ownership.

Sources

AI regulations European Union AI Act Intellectual property AI data centers Security Anthropic OpenAI Claude AI model GPT-5 AI agents AI startup Funding AI Action Plan AI innovation Cognitive Explainable-AI CXAI AI algorithms AI job creation Skills training Skilled trades AI-proof careers