Google Expands Pentagon Access to AI After Anthropic Refusal

Google has granted the U.S. Department of Defense access to its artificial intelligence systems for classified networks, allowing all lawful uses, according to multiple news reports. The agreement follows Anthropic's public refusal to grant the Pentagon the same terms. Anthropic wanted guardrails to prevent its AI from being used for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, while the Pentagon sought unrestricted use. After Anthropic refused, the Defense Department branded the company a "supply-chain risk," a designation typically reserved for foreign adversaries. Anthropic and the Pentagon are now in litigation, with a judge granting Anthropic an injunction against the designation last month while the case proceeds. Google is the third AI company to pursue a Pentagon deal following Anthropic's stance. OpenAI and xAI also signed agreements with the Defense Department. Google's contract includes language stating it does not intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons, The Wall Street Journal reports. It remains unclear whether such provisions are legally binding. The deal comes despite an open letter signed by 950 Google employees urging the company to follow Anthropic's lead and avoid selling AI to the Defense Department without similar guardrails. Google did not respond to a request for comment.