At TechBBQ, Europe’s AI conversations kept coming back to: Who’s actually in control?
techcrunch ·
At TechBBQ in Copenhagen, European investors, founders, and operators repeatedly discussed who should control AI, focusing on Europe's dependence on the U.S. and China following Anthropic's decision to make its models Mythos and Fable unavailable in Europe. The conference's theme, “Emerging from Agency,” matched these sovereignty concerns, with attendees debating ownership of models and infrastructure rather than renting them. Angel investor Ellen de Brever said debates centered on human judgment and what people are willing to give up, not just smarter machines. Signal president Meredith Whittaker criticized AI assistants integrated into operating systems, warning of a “data collection apparatus” and saying privacy still has market demand. Stability AI co-founder Emad Mostaque argued that sovereignty means resisting power and predicted that countries will be run by AI, with controllers of AI controlling countries. Life With Artificials' Mia Negru suggested that intelligent agents and robots may force a rethink of ownership, work, democracy, and participation in society. Away from panels, attendees enjoyed social events like rooftop barbecues and cocktail gatherings, where human connection remained central despite the tech-heavy discussions.
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