Is Sam Altman Joining Forces with Anthropic Against the Pentagon?

The ongoing dispute between the US Department of Defense (DoD) and AI company Anthropic is intensifying, with OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman publicly supporting Anthropic's stance against unrestricted military access to AI technologies. This situation highlights significant ethical considerations within the AI industry, particularly regarding the use of AI in military applications. Altman's backing of Anthropic's leader, Dario Amodei, indicates a broader industry concern over the implications of military contracts on AI development.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The conflict between the DoD and Anthropic has reached a critical point, with both parties standing firm on their positions. The Department of Defense is reportedly seeking broader access to Anthropic's AI tools for "any lawful use," a request that Anthropic has pushed back against, citing concerns over mass surveillance and autonomous weaponry. Altman's memo to OpenAI staff reflects a shared apprehension within the tech community about the government's potential misuse of AI technologies, which could jeopardise not only public safety but also national security.

Key takeaways

Sam Altman supports Anthropic's refusal to grant the DoD unrestricted access to its AI tools.
Anthropic's Dario Amodei prioritises ethical considerations, rejecting military applications that could lead to domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons.
OpenAI is also evaluating its own potential defence contracts under similar ethical guidelines.

Timeline: how we got here

The origins of this conflict can be traced back to significant events in AI development and military contracts. Below is a brief timeline of key milestones:

September 2020: An executive order by then-President Donald Trump designates the Department of War (DoW) as a secondary name for the Defence Department.
October 2023: Anthropic enters a partnership with Palantir, a government contractor, allowing the integration of its AI tool, Claude, into government products.
October 2023: Hegseth threatens Anthropic with retaliation if it does not comply with DoD’s requests for broader access to its AI technology.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, Altman has expressed solidarity with Anthropic, marking a notable shift in the dynamics of AI companies responding to government demands. His memo has resonated with many in the tech community, who see this as a pivotal moment for ethical considerations in AI development.

What was already established

Previously, Anthropic had established its commitment to ethical standards in AI usage, particularly regarding military applications. This has included explicitly refusing to permit its technology for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons, positioning the company as a leader in ethical AI development.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the UK considers its own stance on AI technologies and military applications, consumers may face implications regarding privacy, security, and ethical standards associated with AI deployments. Public opinion may shift towards favouring companies that prioritise ethical considerations in their partnerships.

Businesses and jobs

UK companies operating within the AI sector may find themselves influenced by this ongoing debate, particularly those with ties to defence sectors. Ethical concerns could reshape hiring practices and compliance requirements, as firms navigate the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in the face of lucrative government contracts.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may need to reassess its own policies regarding AI and military collaborations. This could ignite discussions around setting clear guidelines that ensure AI is developed and used responsibly, thereby enhancing UK leadership in AI ethics on a global scale.

Numbers that matter

£200 million: The value of Anthropic's contract with the Pentagon.
£380 billion: Anthropic’s most recent valuation based on its revenue and expected future earnings.
700,000: The number of tech workers represented by unions that are urging their employers to reject Pentagon demands.

Definitions and jargon buster

DoD: Department of Defense, responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government related directly to national security and the military.
AI: Artificial Intelligence, the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn.
Defense Production Act: A law that allows the government to direct private industry to produce goods and services for national defence.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, stakeholders in the AI industry, including UK firms, should closely monitor developments regarding Anthropic's negotiations with the US government. This may influence similar discussions in the UK.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the debate continues, it is likely that ethical standards surrounding AI will emerge as a focal point of discussion among UK policymakers and industry leaders, potentially leading to new regulations or guidelines.

Signals to watch

Statements from Anthropic and OpenAI regarding their positions on government contracts.
Responses from UK tech firms regarding their own military partnerships.
Legislative initiatives related to AI ethics and defence contracts in the UK Parliament.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the evolving landscape of AI regulations and ethical guidelines.
Engage in discussions about the implications of AI in military applications within your organisation.
Support initiatives that promote ethical AI development.

Don’t

Ignore the potential implications of military contracts on AI technologies.
Assume that all AI companies will prioritise ethical considerations without scrutiny.
Dismiss the significance of public opinion on AI and defence collaborations.

Checklist

Review your organisation's stance on AI and military collaborations.
Encourage open dialogue about ethical AI use among your colleagues.
Monitor regulatory developments related to AI in defence.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The evolving nature of this situation presents several uncertainties, particularly regarding how the DoD will react to Anthropic's resistance. The lack of comprehensive AI regulations in the US also means that the legal basis for the DoD's threats may be weak, leaving room for potential legal challenges from Anthropic. As the situation develops, it is crucial to remain cautious about the implications of military involvement in AI technology.

Bottom line

The ongoing conflict between Anthropic and the US Department of Defense signals a pivotal moment for ethical considerations in AI development. With key figures like Sam Altman articulating concerns over military access to AI technologies, the implications for the UK may shape future policies and practices in the AI sector. Companies must prioritise ethical considerations and prepare for potential shifts in regulatory environments as this situation unfolds.

FAQs

What is the main issue between the DoD and Anthropic?

The primary conflict revolves around the DoD's request for unrestricted access to Anthropic's AI tools, which Anthropic refuses, citing ethical concerns regarding surveillance and autonomous weapons.

How has Sam Altman responded to the situation?

Sam Altman has expressed support for Anthropic's stance, highlighting shared ethical concerns and warning against the potential risks of the government's approach to AI safety.

What could happen if the DoD follows through on its threats against Anthropic?

If the DoD enforces its threats, Anthropic could potentially challenge these actions legally, but the implications for the broader AI industry would be significant in terms of ethical standards and government collaborations.