Google expands the Pentagon’s access to its AI after rejecting Anthropic

Google has given the US Department of Defense access to its AI on select networks, specifically to allow legitimate use, according to multiple reports.

This follows Anthropic’s taking a public stand against the Trump administration after the manufacturer of the model refused to give DoD a similar statement. The Pentagon wanted unlimited use of AI, while Anthropic wanted safeguards against its AI being used for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.

Because Anthropic denied the use cases, the DoD labeled the developer a “marketing threat” — a designation usually reserved for foreign adversaries. Anthropic and the DoD are now on trial, and A judge last month issued an injunction against Anthropic against being appointed while the case is in progress.

Google hires a third-party AI company to try and turn Anthropic’s losses into its profits. OpenAI immediately signed the contract and DoD, such as xAI. Google’s agreement includes additional language stating that it does not want its AI to be used for mass surveillance or autonomous devices, The Wall Street Journal reportedwhich is similar to the contract language with OpenAI. But it is not clear whether this is a legal construction or a possibility, according to the WSJ.

Google joined the union even though 950 of its employees signed it an open letter asking them to follow Anthropic’s lead and not sell AI to the Department of Defense without equal protection. Google did not respond to a request for comment.