The Pentagon gave a deadline of Friday at 5:01 PM for Anthropic to allow full use of its AI model, as reported by Axios. Anthropic said the contract language still did not clearly stop the AI from being used for mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons, according to the company’s statement. The company also said the new “compromise” wording had legal terms that could allow safeguards to be ignored anytime.
Anthropic AI use limits fight
Even after rejecting the offer, Anthropic said it is not walking away from talks and expects more negotiations soon. The main fight between the Pentagon and Anthropic is about limits on AI use, especially banning surveillance of Americans and autonomous weapons. The Pentagon has already started preparing possible punishment by asking defense contractors like Boeing and Lockheed Martin to check their links with Anthropic.
Pentagon classified AI rules explained
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also warned he could use the Defense Production Act to force Anthropic to provide the AI without restrictions. Experts say such a forced order may face legal challenges and unclear law issues.
The Pentagon’s rule that AI must be available for “all lawful purposes” in classified work is not only for Anthropic, as noted by Axios. So far, Anthropic is the only AI company whose model has been used in classified US settings.
Meanwhile, xAI has already signed a contract under the Pentagon’s “all lawful purposes” rule. Talks are also speeding up to bring OpenAI and Google into classified government AI work. Overall, the situation is a high-stakes battle between AI safety limits and national security demands.
FAQs
Q1. Why did Anthropic reject the Pentagon’s offer?Anthropic rejected it because it does not want its AI to be used for spying on Americans or for fully autonomous weapons.
Q2. What could happen next in the Anthropic–Pentagon AI dispute?
The Pentagon may take action like restricting the company, forcing supply under law, or continuing negotiations.
