US Secretary of Defense Pete Higgs has issued a threat to place AI company Anthropic on a government blacklist if it refuses to lift restrictions on the artificial intelligence technologies supplied to the Pentagon. This ultimatum comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the Pentagon and the AI company, which has previously stated it will not allow its AI technologies to be used for developing autonomous weapons or comprehensive surveillance techniques. Higgs has given Anthropic a deadline until the following Friday to respond to Pentagon requests to remove these restrictions and grant unfettered access to its AI capabilities.

If Anthropic chooses not to comply, the Pentagon is prepared to invoke the Defense Production Act, which empowers the US President with comprehensive authority to take control of the company in the interest of national defense, as reported by Financial Times. The urgency of the situation is underscored by a call for an emergency meeting with Higgs and Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei to discuss the matter and its potential implications for the company. Higgs commended the technologies developed by Anthropic but stressed the critical need for government access to ensure they align with defense priorities and national security.

The potential seizure of Anthropic would signify a significant escalation in the relationship between the US government and AI corporations, raising questions about the balance between innovative technology and governmental oversight. Such a move could set a precedent for other technology companies in the AI sector, forcing them to weigh the implications of their ethical commitments against compliance with potential government mandates. The situation is being closely monitored as it could reshape the landscape of AI development and regulation within the United States.