Home / Technology / Pentagon, Anthropic in AI Ethics Standoff
Pentagon, Anthropic in AI Ethics Standoff
1 Feb
Summary
- War Department and AI firm Anthropic disagree on AI deployment limits.
- Dispute involves AI use in autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance.
- A $200 million contract is stalled due to ethical restrictions.
The US Department of War is reportedly clashing with AI contractor Anthropic over ethical limitations imposed on its technology. The dispute, which has stalled a potential $200 million contract, stems from Anthropic's concerns about its AI being used for lethal operations without human oversight or for domestic surveillance.
Military officials, however, argue that commercial AI should be usable for defense purposes, provided it complies with US law. This disagreement occurs as the administration aims to rapidly integrate AI into the armed forces, with the Pentagon seeking full control over AI deployment on the battlefield.
Anthropic stated its AI is extensively used for national security and that productive discussions are ongoing. Meanwhile, the standoff poses risks for Anthropic, which has invested in government clients and is preparing for a potential public offering.
