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OpenAI employees back Anthropic amid potential $5b loss over Pentagon dispute
Anthropic has instigated lawsuits against the government in two courts
Employees from competing firms, such as OpenAI, are showing support for Anthropic, noting that the startup's growing dispute with the Pentagon might lead to a $5 billion business shortfall.
Over 30 researchers from OpenAI and Google, featuring Google DeepMind's chief scientist Jeff Dean, submitted an amicus brief, advocating for Anthropic in its legal contention with the government.
These participants signed in a personal capacity and do not represent their companies' official positions.
The submission contends that the Pentagon's classification of Anthropic as a "supply-chain risk" could deter the overall US AI industry.
"Proceeding with this action against a leading US AI company will likely affect the nation's industrial and scientific edge in artificial intelligence and beyond," the employees articulated.
The friction originates from unresolved negotiations between Anthropic and the Pentagon concerning rules relating to AI model use, especially in areas like mass domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
Last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that "no vendor, supplier, or associate engaging with the US military may undertake any commercial dealings with Anthropic," significantly broadening the "supply chain risk" label.
In response, Anthropic has instigated lawsuits against the government in two courts, claiming the decision infringes upon its First Amendment rights and retaliates unjustly against the company.
According to court papers, Anthropic leaders indicated that the repercussions are already impacting the company's fiscal health.
Chief financial officer Krishna Rao outlined in a court statement that anticipated revenue, worth hundreds of millions, linked to Pentagon-related activities is at jeopardy this year.
Should the government successfully dissuade other entities from associating with Anthropic at large, Rao asserted, the firm could potentially forfeit upwards of $5 billion in sales, nearly its total revenue since commercialising its AI tech in 2023.