Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic's technology, and Hegseth declares it a 'supply-chain risk' (www.businessinsider.com)

Former President Donald Trump has ordered all federal agencies to cease using technology developed by Anthropic, a prominent AI company, amid ongoing disputes with the Department of Defense concerning deployment of their AI model, Claude. Trump's directive highlights his administration's intention to phase out usage over the next six months, as he criticized the company’s leadership and decision-making related to military applications. The announcement came shortly before a crucial deadline set by defense officials for Anthropic's compliance with military terms, which included contentious issues around mass surveillance and autonomous weapon capabilities. This significant move signals a potentially unprecedented governmental intervention in the partnership between a private tech firm and the military, raising implications for the future of AI oversight and regulation. Experts warn that invoking the Defense Production Act could designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk, which would profoundly impact their operational autonomy. While Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, expressed a desire to continue collaboration with the department, he emphasized the company's ethical stance against compromising its principles, particularly on issues of surveillance and weaponization. This scenario underscores the complex interplay between technological innovation, military interests, and ethical considerations in AI development.