John Whelan: US moves to control AI tech causes turmoil for Irish businesses

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's sudden suspension of access to a powerful new AI software platform has thrown many firms across Europe into turmoil

Dario Amodei, chief executive and co-founder of Antroppic, the AI firm used extensively in Ireland and across Europe. Picture: Bloomberg

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026 - 17:45

John Whelan

An expert in Irish and international trade, John Whelan is a former Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, a role he held for more than a decade and previously served as an export industry adviser to the AIB Bank Group.

The sudden suspension of access to a powerful new artificial intelligence (AI) software platform by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on June 13, has thrown many businesses in Ireland and across Europe into turmoil.

At the centre of the turmoil is Anthropic, the artificial intelligence company, which is used extensively in Ireland and across Europe. Anthropic’s public customers in Ireland feature prominent technology and delivery brands like Wayflyer, Tines, and Manna, which use the US company’s platform to scale operations, accelerate software development, automate security, and scale drone deliveries.