Hegseth sets Friday deadline for Anthropic to drop AI safeguards or face Pentagon action

In a significant move, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a deadline to Anthropic, an AI research company, demanding that it provide the Pentagon with unrestricted access to its Claude AI model by Friday. This ultimatum comes amid growing concerns over national security and the role of advanced AI technologies in defense operations. Should Anthropic fail to comply, it may be classified as a supply chain threat, which could invoke repercussions under the Defense Production Act. This development highlights the increasing scrutiny of AI companies by government entities, as they seek to ensure that emerging technologies are aligned with national interests. The Pentagon's push for access underscores the critical need for transparency and control over AI capabilities that could impact military effectiveness and national security. As the debate around AI governance intensifies, this situation may set a precedent for future interactions between tech firms and government agencies.