The U.S. Department of Defense is considering ending its partnership with Anthropic, the creator of the Claude model. The conflict revolves around the restrictions the company imposes on the military's use of its technology. The Pentagon demands unrestricted access to AI tools for operational purposes, including weapons development and battlefield applications. This marks an unprecedented escalation in relations between the U.S. government and the high-tech sector amid growing geopolitical challenges.

Ultimatum for Anthropic

The Pentagon warns that Anthropic will bear costs if it does not agree to the use of AI technology for combat operations and intelligence purposes.

Nicolás Maduro Issue

There are suspicions that the U.S. military used the Claude model in the operation to capture Maduro, which violated the company's regulations.

Contract Review

Spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that the Department of Defense is conducting an audit of relations with the company in the context of national security.

A conflict is escalating between the U.S. Department of Defense and Anthropic, one of the leaders in the field of artificial intelligence. According to the latest reports, the Pentagon has warned the company that it will pay a “price” for refusing to fully comply with military requirements. The department is pressuring leading AI labs to allow the use of their tools for all lawful purposes. This includes sensitive areas such as weapons development, intelligence data gathering, and direct combat operations. The dispute has intensified after months of difficult negotiations. The Pentagon seeks full operational freedom, while Anthropic insists on maintaining certain safety and ethical restrictions. Unofficial information suggests that the military may have already used the company's technology in operations that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, which might have violated the provider's service terms. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that relations with Anthropic are under review, and the military needs partners ready to support soldiers in every engagement. Since the Cold War, relations between Silicon Valley and the U.S. defense sector have gone through various phases, from collaboration in creating the internet and GPS to protests by tech company employees against military contracts in the last decade. The Pentagon's pressure is not limited to one entity, but Anthropic has become the main target of public warnings. Experts indicate that the threat of imposing penalties, typically reserved for foreign adversaries, demonstrates how critical dominance in the algorithmic sphere is for national security. If Anthropic does not yield, it may lose access to lucrative government contracts, paving the way for competitors willing to make greater concessions regarding ethical safeguards in AI systems. „Our nation requires that our partners be willing to help our soldiers win in every fight. Ultimately, it's about our troops and the safety of Americans.” — Sean Parnell 4 — leading AI labs are under Pentagon pressure

Emphasizes the right of private companies to set ethical rules and warns against the militarization of technology without oversight. | Highlights the necessity of full support for the military by the domestic tech industry to maintain an advantage over China.

Mentioned People

  • Sean Parnell — Pentagon press spokesperson, responsible for communication regarding relations with the technology sector.
  • Nicolás Maduro — Venezuelan politician whose capture is alleged to have been aided by AI technology.