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Pentagon Labels Anthropic a Supply-Chain Risk Amid AI Control Dispute

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The Pentagon has officially designated Anthropic as a supply-chain risk due to disagreements over control of its AI models. The main contention arose from how much influence the military should hold, particularly regarding the AI's utilization in autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance. As a result of the failed $200 million contract with Anthropic, the Department of Defense (DoD) has turned to OpenAI, which saw a 295% surge in ChatGPT uninstalls following the deal.

Key Points:

  • Anthropic's decline as a contractor stemmed from unresolved issues with the DoD over AI governance.
  • OpenAI steps in as the preferred DoD partner, resulting in fluctuating user engagement.
  • In the broader context of AI and government contracts, questions remain about military access and control of AI technologies.

The episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast further delves into related discussions about startups grappling with federal contracts, the challenges surrounding AI policies in Washington, and additional topics from the week's headlines, such as:

  • Paramount's substantial deal with Warner Bros and its potential impact on streaming services.
  • MyFitnessPal's acquisition of Cal AI, a calorie-tracking app by teenagers.
  • Investment speculations around Pinterest's AI efforts with a $1 billion infusion.
  • Anduril's reported funding round aiming for a $60 billion valuation.
  • The debate on the SaaSpocalypse's impact on AI's hype cycle.