Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has directed U.S. defense contractors to cease using his company’s AI products. This follows a “supply chain risk” designation by the Department of Defense. Amodei objected specifically to AI’s use in mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons systems. Meanwhile, rival OpenAI has accepted a defense contract hours after the government’s move against Anthropic.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has responded to U.S. officials by ordering military defense contractors to stop using his company’s products. Amodei told CBS News that Anthropic objects to its AI being used for mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons platforms.
He stated the company supports all other government-proposed AI uses. Amodei was quoted saying, “These are things that are fundamental to Americans: the right, not to be spied on by the government, the right for our military officers to make decisions about war, themselves, and not turn it over completely to a machine.”
The Department of Defense recently labeled Anthropic a “supply chain risk,” barring contractors from using its products. Amodei called this action “unprecedented” and “punitive” in his interview.
He clarified he is not against automated weapons development if foreign militaries deploy them. Amodei argued current AI is not yet reliable enough for autonomous military use.
The CEO also called on Congress to pass legislative “guardrails” against AI surveillance. He stated the law has not kept pace with rapid AI sector development.
On Friday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Anthropic’s designation as a security risk. He stated on X that no U.S. military contractor may conduct commercial activity with Anthropic.
Hours later, rival OpenAI accepted a contract with the U.S. Defense Department. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made the announcement on X regarding deploying AI across military networks.
The deal drew online backlash from critics concerned about surveillance and privacy. They cited AI use for mass domestic surveillance as a major red line.
