Google has reportedly given the U.S. Department of Defense access to its AI systems on classified networks, permitting essentially all lawful uses.

 

The move comes after Anthropic took a public stance against the Trump administration, declining to offer the DoD the same level of access. While the Pentagon sought unrestricted use of AI, Anthropic pushed for safeguards to prevent applications like domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.

 

Following that refusal, the DoD labeled Anthropic a “supply-chain risk”—a designation typically reserved for foreign adversaries. The dispute has since escalated into a legal battle, with a judge last month granting Anthropic an injunction to block the designation while the case moves forward.

 

Google is now the third AI company to capitalize on Anthropic’s position. OpenAI and xAI both quickly secured agreements with the DoD. According to The Wall Street Journal, Google’s contract includes language indicating it does not intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons, similar to terms in OpenAI’s deal. However, it remains unclear whether those provisions are legally binding or enforceable.

 

The agreement comes despite internal dissent, with around 950 Google employees signing an open letter urging the company to follow Anthropic’s example and avoid supplying AI to the Defense Department without comparable safeguards. Google has not responded to requests for comment.