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Pentagon addresses Anthropic lawsuit, citing 'significant national security risk'
Department of Defense detailed its arguments opposing Anthropic's contract lawsuit
The US government is seeking a federal judge's decision to dismiss Anthropic's attempt to challenge its designation as a supply chain risk.
In a legal document submitted Tuesday, Department of Defense attorneys stated that federal entities acted properly in deciding to phase out Anthropic's technology after the company declined contract terms permitting "any lawful use" of its AI by the military.
The Pentagon considers the company a threat to national security.
The disagreement is part of a broader debate over the the military's use of AI and the safety boundaries it establishes with tech providers.
Anthropic, the creator of the Claude AI model, took legal action against the government following President Donald Trump's directive for government agencies to cease using Anthropic's technology.
The Department of Defense subsequently labeled the company a "Supply chain risk," effectively making it ineligible for federal contracts. Anthropic argues this decision is unlawful retaliation linked to its safety protocols.
The government asserts it is merely exercising its right to select its partners and that Anthropic's limitations and conduct render it unsuitable for roles involving national security.
The filing indicates that the conflict intensified when Anthropic opted not to alter its usage regulations, which restrict uses such as weapon development and surveillance.
Officials argue these restrictions could grant a private entity too much sway over military decisions and operations.
The government further contends that Anthropic's position as the creator and maintainer of its AI systems introduces inherent risks.
Since these systems necessitate continual updates and adjustments, there is concern that the company might "compromise the design and/or functionality" of its tools or adjust performance during key operations.
A court hearing for Anthropic's motion for a preliminary injunction is set for March 24 in San Francisco federal court.