Anthropic rejects Pentagon offer: Anthropic rejects Pentagon “final offer” just 24 hours before deadline set by Pete Hegseth
As reported by Axios, the Pentagon gave Anthropic until 5:01 p.m. Friday to allow full use of the AI model. Anthropic said the contract language still does not explicitly prevent the use of artificial intelligence for mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons, according to the company’s statement. The company also said the new “compromise” language has legal terms that could allow security measures to be ignored at any time.
Anthropic artificial intelligence usage limits challenge
Even after rejecting the offer, Anthropic said it had not given up on talks and expected new negotiations soon. The main fight between the Pentagon and Anthropic is over limiting the use of artificial intelligence, specifically banning surveillance of Americans and autonomous weapons. The Pentagon has already begun preparing for possible penalties by asking defense contractors such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin to check their ties to Anthropic.
Pentagon’s secret artificial intelligence rules revealed
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also warned that he could use the Defense Production Act to force Anthropic to provide AI without restrictions. Experts say such a mandatory order could face legal challenges and uncertain legal issues.
The Pentagon’s rule that AI must be usable for “all lawful purposes” in classified work doesn’t just apply to Anthropic, as Axios points out. So far, Anthropic is the only AI company whose model has been used in classified US environments.
xAI, meanwhile, has already been awarded a contract under the Pentagon’s “all lawful purposes” rule. Talks about including OpenAI and Google in the state’s secret artificial intelligence studies are also accelerating. Overall, the situation is a high-stakes struggle between the security limits of AI and the demands of national security.
FAQ
Q1. Why did Anthropic reject the Pentagon’s offer?Anthropic refused because it didn’t want its AI to be used to spy on Americans or for fully autonomous weapons.
Q2. What could happen next in the Anthropic-Pentagon AI dispute?
The Pentagon may take action such as restricting the company, forcing procurement by law, or continuing negotiations.
