Statement on the comments from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (www.anthropic.com)

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has designated Anthropic, an AI company known for its Claude model, as a supply chain risk, a move unprecedented for a U.S. company. This decision follows contentious negotiations regarding Anthropic's refusal to permit its AI model for mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapon systems. Anthropic's leaders argue that the reliability of current AI technologies does not justify their use in critical military applications, asserting that such actions could jeopardize national security and violate civil rights. This designation, should it be formalized, poses significant implications for Anthropic and its contractors, specifically restricting use of Claude in Department of War contracts while not affecting civilian operations. The firm's commitment to legal action suggests a broader context of tensions between technology companies and governmental oversight in national security, raising concerns about legal precedents that could impact the entire AI/ML industry. Anthropic remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold ethical standards in AI deployment, emphasizing its intention to protect its customer base amid these challenges.