US Department of Defense
US Department of Defense business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Federal Court: Pentagon’s Blacklisting of Anthropic Was Unconstitutional Retaliation
A federal judge ruled that the Pentagon's blacklisting of AI lab Anthropic was unconstitutional retaliation, violating the First Amendment. The court found the "supply chain risk" designation illegal and arbitrary, stemming from Anthropic's refusal to enable mass surveillance or build lethal autonomous weapons.
Google and the Pentagon sign classified deal to give the Department of Defense unfettered access to its AI models
Google has entered into a classified agreement with the US Department of Defense, granting the military access to its AI models for unspecified lawful purposes. Despite assurances regarding responsible use, concerns have been raised by over 560 Google employees who signed an open letter urging the company to reject such deals due to potential misuse in surveillance and weaponry. Google joins other tech companies like OpenAI and xAI in making similar classified AI agreements with the government.
Anthropic had a 'productive and constructive' meeting with White House officials after the preview release of its new cybersecurity-challenging AI model
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei met with White House officials, including Secretary Scott Bessent and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, following the preview release of its new AI model, Claude Mythos. The meeting was described as 'productive and constructive,' focusing on collaboration and safety protocols for AI development. This comes after a period of tension between Anthropic and the US government regarding AI safeguards.
The NSA is reportedly using Anthropic's new model Mythos
The National Security Agency is reportedly using Anthropic's new AI model, Mythos Preview, which is designed for computer security tasks. This comes despite ongoing legal battles and previous government restrictions on Anthropic's services. The NSA is among approximately 40 organizations granted access to the model.
Anthropic appeal to avoid US Government blacklisting denied by federal court
A federal court has denied Anthropic's appeal to avoid a national security risk designation by the US Department of Defense. The court's decision allows the designation to remain in place while a lawsuit concerning the matter is ongoing.
Anthropic launches Project Glasswing, an effort to prevent AI cyberattacks with AI
Anthropic has launched Project Glasswing, an initiative aimed at securing critical software against AI-powered cyberattacks, in partnership with major tech companies like Amazon Web Services, Apple, Google, and Microsoft. The project will utilize Anthropic's Claude Mythos Preview model to identify vulnerabilities and develop defensive strategies against malicious AI use. This effort comes amidst broader concerns about AI's impact on cybersecurity and follows a previous incident where Anthropic's Claude was reportedly used in an attack against Mexican government agencies.
The UK government reportedly wants Anthropic to expand its presence in London
The UK government is reportedly attempting to persuade AI company Anthropic to expand its operations in London, including proposals for an expanded office and a potential dual stock listing. This effort comes amid a dispute between Anthropic and the US Department of Defense, which has led to contract issues and a supply chain risk designation for the company. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is expected to visit the UK in May, where the company will also face competition from OpenAI's existing presence in the city.
OpenAI reportedly plans to double its workforce to 8,000 employees
OpenAI is reportedly planning to nearly double its workforce to 8,000 employees by the end of 2026, a move that contrasts with layoffs at other tech companies. The expansion will focus on product development, engineering, research, and sales, including "technical ambassadorship" roles. This growth aims to increase competition with rivals like Anthropic and secure new partnerships, including a contract with the Department of Defense and potential deals with private equity firms.
Defense Department says Anthropic poses 'unacceptable risk' to national security
The Department of Defense has informed Anthropic that continued access to its warfighting infrastructure poses an "unacceptable risk" to national security. This statement was made in a court filing responding to Anthropic's lawsuit challenging its supply chain risk designation. The department cited concerns over AI systems' vulnerability to manipulation and Anthropic's refusal to allow its model for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons development.
Anthropic is doubling Claude's usage limits during off-peak hours for the next two weeks
Anthropic is doubling usage limits for its AI chatbot Claude during off-peak hours for two weeks, from March 13 to March 27. This promotion applies to most users across various plans and platforms. The move is seen as a response to increased popularity and a potential contract loss with the Department of Defense.
Microsoft amicus brief filing supports Anthropic's lawsuit against US Department of Defense
Microsoft has filed an amicus brief in support of Anthropic's lawsuit against the US Department of Defense. Microsoft argues that designating Anthropic as a 'supply chain risk' could negatively affect AI systems that utilize technology supplied by Microsoft to the US military.
Microsoft shows support for Anthropic's legal case against the US Department of Defense
Microsoft has filed an amicus brief supporting AI company Anthropic in its legal challenge against the US Department of Defense. Anthropic is suing the government after being designated a "supply chain risk," which could lead to a national security blacklist. The dispute centers on the implementation of safeguards in Anthropic's large language models, particularly concerning their use in autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance.
Google to Provide Pentagon with Gemini-powered AI agents
Google is deploying its Gemini AI agents to the Department of Defense's over 3 million employees, initially for unclassified networks. These agents will automate tasks like summarizing notes and building budgets, with the potential to expand to classified systems. The Pentagon is rapidly increasing its AI partnerships following issues with Anthropic, also striking deals with OpenAI and xAI.
OpenAI hardware lead Caitlin Kalinowski resigns over US Department of Defense deal
OpenAI's hardware lead, Caitlin Kalinowski, has resigned due to concerns over the company's deal with the US Department of Defense. Kalinowski expressed her unease about the company's rapid engagement with the Pentagon in a social media post.
Anthropic sues US government over supply chain risk designation
AI company Anthropic has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government to prevent the Pentagon from designating it as a supply chain risk and placing it on a national security blocklist. CEO Dario Amodei had indicated legal action would follow the Department of Defense's confirmation of the designation.
AI Yi-Yi!
OpenAI's lead for robotics hardware has resigned following a deal with the Department of Defense. The article also touches on the capabilities of AI agents in managing attack infrastructure and the rise of AI-generated videos.
OpenAI's robotics hardware lead resigns following deal with the Department of Defense
Caitlin Kalinowski, OpenAI's robotics hardware lead, has resigned, citing concerns over the company's partnership with the Department of Defense and the lack of proper guardrails for AI applications. Kalinowski, who previously worked at Meta, expressed worries about domestic surveillance and lethal autonomous weapons. OpenAI stated it understands strong views on these issues and aims for responsible national security uses of AI while prohibiting domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
OpenAI's head of robotics resigns following deal with the Department of Defense
Caitlin Kalinowski, OpenAI's former head of robotics, has resigned, criticizing the company's partnership with the Department of Defense for lacking sufficient deliberation on guardrails. Kalinowski expressed concerns about surveillance and autonomous weapons, stating the announcement was rushed. OpenAI confirmed her departure and stated they do not support the issues Kalinowski raised, emphasizing their deal prohibits domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
Engadget Podcast: Is the MacBook Neo the one?
The Engadget Podcast discusses Apple's latest hardware releases, including the new $599 MacBook Neo, refreshed MacBook Air M5, MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max, iPad Air M4, and iPhone 17e. Hosts Devindra Hardawar and Nathan Ingraham also cover Spencer Ackerman's book 'Forever Wars' and the controversial use of AI by the Department of Defense.
Anthropic is reportedly back in talks with the Defense Department
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is reportedly in renewed talks with the US Defense Department to resolve a contract dispute that could lead to the company being labeled a supply chain risk. The negotiations previously broke down over Anthropic's concerns about its AI being used for mass surveillance. The company had refused to remove specific language from the contract, leading to a potential cancellation of their existing deal and a directive from President Trump for government agencies to cease using Anthropic's technology.