Anthropic Gains Support as Dispute with U.S. Defense Department Escalates Over AI Use

Anthropic is drawing growing backing in its legal and policy dispute with the U.S. Department of Defense following its designation as a “supply-chain risk.” The move came after the company declined to allow its AI systems to be used for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons targeting without human oversight.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren raised concerns in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, describing the designation as potential retaliation and warning against pressuring companies to deploy AI without sufficient safeguards. Support has also emerged from employees and organizations linked to major technology firms including OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, alongside legal advocacy groups.

Anthropic is challenging the decision in court, arguing it infringes on its rights, while the Pentagon maintains the designation reflects national security considerations rather than punitive action.