Google expands Pentagon’s access to its AI after Anthropic’s refusal

Google has granted the U.S. Department of Defense access to its AI for classified networks, essentially allowing all lawful uses, according to multiple news reports.

This deal follows Anthropic’s public stand against the Trump administration after the model maker refused to grant the DoD the same terms. The Pentagon wanted unrestricted use of AI, whereas Anthropic wanted guardrails to prevent its AI from being used for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.

Because Anthropic refused those use cases, the DoD branded the model maker a “supply-chain risk” — a designation normally reserved for foreign adversaries. Anthropic and the DoD are now embroiled in a lawsuit, with a judge last month granting Anthropic an injunction against the designation while the case proceeds.

Google marks the third AI company to try and turn Anthropic’s loss into its own gain. OpenAI immediately signed a deal with the DoD, as did xAI. Google’s agreement includes some language saying that it doesn’t intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or in autonomous weapons, The Wall Street Journal reports, which is similar to contract language with OpenAI. But it is unclear whether such provisions are legally binding or enforceable, per the WSJ.

Google entered this deal even though 950 of its employees have signed an open letter asking it to follow Anthropic’s lead and not sell AI to the Defense Department without similar guardrails.

Google tells TechCrunch that it is “proud” to be among the AI companies supporting national security and that it believes AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons unless a human is overseeing such operations. Here is the full written statement a spokesperson sent:

“We are proud to be part of a broad consortium of leading AI labs and technology and cloud companies providing AI services and infrastructure in support of national security. We support government agencies across both classified and non-classified projects, applying our expertise to areas like logistics, cybersecurity, diplomatic translation, fleet maintenance, and the defense of critical infrastructure.

“We believe that providing API access to our commercial models, including on Google infrastructure, with industry-standard practices and terms, represents a responsible approach to supporting national security. We remain committed to the private and public sector consensus that AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weaponry without appropriate human oversight.”