The U.S. Department of Defense has issued an ultimatum to artificial intelligence firm Anthropic, demanding the removal of ethical restrictions on its AI model, Claude, by Friday, February 27, 2026. Failure to comply could result in the termination of Anthropic’s $200 million contract and potential designation as a “supply chain risk.” ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/tech/article/pentagon-anthropic-ai-safeguards-21939315.php?utm_source=openai))
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conveyed this directive during a meeting with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei on Tuesday. The Pentagon insists on utilizing Claude for “all lawful purposes,” which may include applications that Anthropic’s policies currently prohibit, such as autonomous weapons systems and mass surveillance. ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/tech/article/pentagon-anthropic-ai-safeguards-21939315.php?utm_source=openai))
Anthropic has maintained a firm stance against the use of its AI technology in fully autonomous military operations and domestic surveillance of U.S. citizens. Amodei has expressed concerns about the potential for AI to be used in ways that could infringe on civil liberties and ethical standards. ([inquirer.com](https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/anthropic-hegseth-ai-pentagon-military-20260224.html?utm_source=openai))
The Pentagon’s ultimatum includes the possibility of invoking the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era law that grants the government authority to direct private industry in matters of national defense. This move would compel Anthropic to comply with military requirements, regardless of the company’s ethical guidelines. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/02/24/pentagon-demands-ai-access/?utm_source=openai))
This development underscores the ongoing tension between the advancement of AI technology and ethical considerations in its deployment, particularly within the realm of national security. As the deadline approaches, the outcome of this standoff could have significant implications for the future relationship between AI developers and government agencies.