WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Defense Department has designated Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company, as a supply chain risk to national security, a move revealed Thursday as the firm’s AI models continue to play a role in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The paradoxical designation, first reported by CNBC, highlights the complex relationship the U.S. military is forging with private AI developers. While recognizing the potential vulnerabilities associated with relying on a single company for critical technology, the Pentagon is simultaneously utilizing Anthropic’s Claude AI in its military operations.
Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed to CBS News that the U.S. military employed Claude over the weekend for actions related to the conflict in Iran and continues to do so. The Washington Post also reported on Claude’s central role in the U.S. campaign in Iran.
The Defense Department’s assessment of Anthropic as a supply chain risk suggests concerns about potential disruptions, control, or influence over the AI technology. The specific nature of these risks remains undisclosed.
This situation underscores the growing reliance on AI in modern warfare and the challenges of balancing technological advancement with national security considerations. The use of AI in conflict raises ethical questions and concerns about accountability, as well as the potential for unintended consequences.
