HN.zip

Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890

28 points by - 12 comments
[3 hidden]5 mins ago
> The model that underlies Claude Fable 5.2 and Claude Mythos 5.2 is a step forward in general capabilities. However, during the model’s training, we took steps to limit advances in the specific research capabilities that could most directly accelerate AI development. Thus, in relevant areas, including accelerator kernel optimization and improving large language model architectures, Fable 5.2 and Claude Mythos 5.2 perform at about the level of Opus 5.5. Importantly, we ensured that the training changes did not affect related capabilities like agentic coding, hardware development, and traditional AI or machine learning research (including interpretability research). We do not alter these capabilities as the model is being served to users (that is, at inference time). As described in Section 1.5 of the System Card and similarly to previous models, Fable 5.2 and Claude Mythos 5.2 also include transparent fallbacks to Opus 5 for a small set of topics in this domain, including kernel development on certain nonstandard accelerators.

-----

> Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

> Sec. 1. Every contract, combination in the form of trust or other- wise, or conspiracy, in restraint of trade or commerce among the several States, or with foreign nations, is hereby declared to be illegal. Every person who shall make any such contract or engage in any such combination or conspiracy, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall be punished by fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or by both said punishments, at the discretion of the court.

> Sec. 2. Every person who shall monopolize, or attempt to monopolize, or combine or conspire with any other person or persons, to monopolize any part of the trade or commerce among the several States, or with foreign nations, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof; shall be punished by fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or by both said punishments, in the discretion of the court.

[3 hidden]5 mins ago
The Anti-Trust act makes it illegal for business to conspire to restrict markets.

Anthropic is engaging in some product engineering to level set their offerings against each other.

I'm not sure I am understanding the connection you are trying to make.

[3 hidden]5 mins ago
The implication of the comment is that Anthropic is limiting the capabilities of their external models to prevent other companies from building models that can compete with Claude, and that this constitutes anticompetitive behavior under the law.
[3 hidden]5 mins ago
1. Anthropic is not coordinating with competitors so there's no "conspiracy"

2. Anthropic doesn't have much market power. The competition is intense.

3. Anthropic doesn't have a legal requirement to provide it's strongest internal model to competitors.

[3 hidden]5 mins ago
>...shall be punished by fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or by both said punishments, in the discretion of the court.

Wow, I believe violating Section 1201 of the DMCA carries a stiffer penalty these days.

[3 hidden]5 mins ago
In 2026 dollars, $5,000 1890 would be around $185,131.87. I guess they didn't foresee inflation working against the fine.
[3 hidden]5 mins ago
That quote is from the original 1890 text. The statute has been amended and criminal violations are now felonies with bigger penalties including $100 million fines and 10 years in jail.
[3 hidden]5 mins ago
That was for a different, less civilized time full of very rich people, so called "robber barons".
[3 hidden]5 mins ago
Didn't they have the cool mustaches that you can twirl around and look cool?
[3 hidden]5 mins ago
I guess we are going back to that era with a different flavour.
[3 hidden]5 mins ago
An oligarch by any other name, something something...
[3 hidden]5 mins ago
> punished by fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or by both said punishments, in the discretion of the court.

Something tells me that's not gonna do much to dissuade the AI cartels...