OpenAI forced to rewrite Pentagon contract after global surveillance fears

OpenAI is currently reworking its multi-billion-pound contract with the Pentagon following a wave of public protests and internal unrest.

Chief Executive Sam Altman admitted the company "rushed" into the deal, which aims to deploy AI models on classified military networks.

The backlash intensified after fears surfaced that the technology could be used for mass domestic surveillance or war intelligence, particularly following a breakdown in similar talks between the US government and rival firm Anthropic.

In a bid to calm the waters, Altman shared an internal memo on X, promising to amend the agreement with explicit safeguards.

He wrote: “Consistent with applicable laws, including the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, National Security Act of 1947, FISA Act of 1978, the AI system shall not be intentionally used for domestic surveillance of US persons and nationals.”

He further clarified that agencies like the NSA would not utilise OpenAI’s services without further contractual modifications.

Altman struck a humble tone while addressing the controversy, acknowledging that the situation "looked opportunistic and sloppy."

He added, “The issues are super complex, and demand clear communication.” This retreat comes as nearly 500 employees from OpenAI and Google signed a letter supporting Anthropic’s stricter ethical "red lines."

With protests hitting offices in San Francisco and London, the "QuitGPT" movement is gaining momentum, forcing the tech giant to prove that its pursuit of lucrative defence contracts won't come at the cost of civil liberties or global safety.