Anthropic/Pentagon: allow AI to be used for all military purposes by this Friday (www.nbcnews.com)

In a significant escalation of negotiations, the Pentagon has issued an ultimatum to AI company Anthropic, demanding that it allow its artificial intelligence technologies to be utilized for all legal military purposes by this Friday. Previously, the Defense Department and Anthropic had agreed in December to use the company's AI systems for missile and cyber defense, but ongoing restrictions set by Anthropic—aimed at preventing misuse for mass surveillance or lethal autonomous weapons—have led to tensions with military officials. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conveyed that failure to comply would lead to the potential invocation of the Defense Production Act, compelling the company to adhere to military guidelines, as well as the risk of being labeled a “supply chain risk.” This standoff highlights the growing intersection of AI technology and national security, showcasing the Pentagon's shift towards an "AI-first warfighting force" that seeks to leverage AI for strategic advantages without constraints imposed by private companies. Anthropic, which has been cautious about its usage policies in military contexts, has previously demonstrated the applicability of its systems, including their involvement in sensitive operations. As the Pentagon pushes for more control over AI applications, the outcome of this negotiation could set a precedent for future collaborations between defense contractors and AI firms, raising important discussions about ethical implications in military AI deployments.