Anthropic files lawsuit against Pentagon in AI dispute

Anthropic has filed a lawsuit in federal court in California to prevent the Pentagon from blacklisting the company for national security reasons. The dispute between the artificial intelligence firm and the US Department of Defense concerns restrictions on the military use of its technology.

Last week, the Pentagon designated Anthropic a risk to the national security supply chain. Such a designation would restrict the use of its technology in Pentagon systems and defence contracts. In its lawsuit, the company argues that the move is illegal and violates its right to freedom of expression and due process.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth labelled the company a security risk after it refused to remove protective restrictions that prevent its artificial intelligence from being used in autonomous weapons or domestic surveillance.

According to the company, the Pentagon’s decision could jeopardise its cooperation with the government. President Donald Trump has also ordered federal agencies to phase out cooperation with the firm. The administration plans a six-month transition period for the gradual termination of contracts.

Anthropic said current AI models are not reliable enough to develop fully autonomous weapons and warned their use could be dangerous. However, the department insists that decisions on the military use of artificial intelligence must be determined by US law, not by a private company.

(reuters, max)