Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stated Thursday the company will not comply with the Pentagon's request to remove safeguards that prevent its AI from autonomous weapons targeting or U.S. surveillance. This stance comes despite threats to remove Anthropic from Department of Defense systems. The AI firm, backed by Google and Amazon, holds a contract with the Pentagon potentially worth up to $200 million.
The Pentagon insists on contracting with AI companies that permit "any lawful use" and remove safeguards. Amodei emphasized that use cases like mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons were never part of Anthropic's contracts and should remain excluded.
Amodei revealed the department threatened to remove Anthropic from its systems and invoke the Defense Production Act to force safeguard removal. "Regardless, these threats do not change our position: we cannot in good conscience accede to their request," Amodei declared.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell clarified on X that the department does not intend to use AI for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without human involvement. He stated their request is to allow the Pentagon to use Anthropic's model for "all lawful purposes."
Anthropic expressed hope the Department will reconsider, given the value of its technology to the armed forces. The company added it is prepared to facilitate a smooth transition to another provider if they are offboarded. An Anthropic spokesperson confirmed the company remains committed to continued talks and operational continuity for the Department and American warfighters.