Mythos: are fears over new AI model panic or PR?

Mythos: are fears over new AI model panic or PR?

From Science Weekly by The Guardian

April 21, 2026 · 16 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of Anthropic's decision to withhold its powerful AI model, Mythos Preview, and the surrounding fears and skepticism regarding its capabilities.

Earlier this month the AI company Anthropic said it had created a model so powerful that, out of a sense of responsibility, it was not going to release it to the public. Anthropic says the model, Mythos Preview, excels at spotting and exploiting vulnerabilities in software, and could pose a severe risk to economies, public safety and national security. But is this the whole story? Some experts have expressed scepticism about the extent of the model’s capabilities. Ian Sample hears from Aisha Down, a reporter covering artificial intelligence for the Guardian, to find what the decision to limit access to Mythos reveals about Anthropic’s strategy, and whether the model might finally spur more regulation of the industry.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

People in this episode

Host: Ian Sample

Guest: Aisha Down

Topics covered

  • AI
  • technology
  • regulation
  • software vulnerabilities
  • public safety
  • national security

Keywords

  • AI model
  • Anthropic
  • Mythos Preview
  • software vulnerabilities
  • public safety
  • national security
  • regulation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Anthropic

Products: Mythos Preview

Places: Guardian

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