U.S. Defense Chief Threatens Anthropic Takeover Over AI Restrictions

Alanbatnews -

Washington - The U.S. Department of Defense is escalating pressure on artificial intelligence firm Anthropic, potentially invoking the Defense Production Act to seize control of the company's AI technology. The move comes after Anthropic refused to lift restrictions on how its AI could be used by the Pentagon, specifically regarding autonomous weapons and mass surveillance.

Defense Secretary Pete Higseth has given Anthropic, led by CEO Dario Amodei, until Friday to comply with the Pentagon's demands. Failure to do so could result in the U.S. government taking control of Anthropic for national defense purposes, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Pentagon has also summoned Amodei to an emergency meeting with Higseth to discuss the ramifications of the AI firm's stance.

While praising Anthropic's technology, Higseth threatened to terminate the company's existing contracts with the Pentagon if it did not comply, according to a report.

Anthropic currently holds contracts worth $200 million with the Pentagon to integrate its AI into sensitive defense systems.

Amodei has stated the restrictions are general security measures and would not impede the Defense Department's work.

Several AI companies, including Elon Musk's xAI, have already agreed to the Pentagon's terms, allowing full access to their technologies. xAI's Grok is approved for use with classified military documents.