DoD Demands AI Access or Faces Supply Chain Sanctions

Dodging Dragons and Deadlines

Right then seems another monster's reared its ugly head only this one speaks in algorithms and wears a suit. Heard tell the DoD – that's the Department of… well never you mind – has given Anthropic a right proper ultimatum. They want the keys to Anthropic's AI kingdom or else they'll brand 'em a "supply chain risk". Sounds like something I'd face from a Noonwraith eh? But this involves fewer swords and more… well I haven't the foggiest but it sounds like trouble. And trouble as they say is my business. Especially when there's coin involved... or maybe a decent Gwent game.

The Lesser of Two Evils or Just Different Shades of Grey?

Anthropic's digging in their heels apparently worried their precious Claude AI might end up piloting killer robots or spying on innocent folk. Which alright fair enough. Nobody wants to see their life's work turned into a weapon of mass… observation. The DoD naturally wants the AI to be available for "all lawful use cases". Now lawful's a tricky word these days. Like "humane" it depends on who's doing the defining. This whole situation reminds me of choosing between a Fiend and a Leshen. Nasty either way just depends on whether you prefer getting ripped apart or eaten alive. Or perhaps you're more interested in reading the article Believe It Data Centers in Hyperdrive Texas Takes the Lead which shows a different side of the tech world.

Supply Chain Risk? Sounds Like a Witcher Contract

This "supply chain risk" label? It's usually reserved for the kind of folk you wouldn't trust to sharpen your sword let alone build a robot army. But slapping it on Anthropic? That's like calling a Griffin a particularly grumpy chicken. It means anyone dealing with the DoD has to swear they're not using Anthropic's AI. Which in the grand scheme of things sounds like a bureaucratic nightmare. Makes me almost miss hunting down drowners in the Pontar. Almost.

The Defense Production Act: When Swords Become Plowshares… or Something Like That

And then there's the Defense Production Act. Sounds ominous doesn't it? Gives the President the power to boss around industries when things get hairy. Like telling a blacksmith to stop making swords and start forging ploughs. Only in this case it's more like telling a programmer to stop making AI and start… well I'm not entirely sure what the DoD wants them to start doing. Probably something equally unsettling.

Woke AI and Crypto Czars: A Conspiracy Most Foul?

To add insult to injury this venture capitalist fellow Sacks is accusing Anthropic of supporting "woke AI". Now I've faced some strange monsters in my time but "woke AI"? That's a new one. Apparently it's because they have opinions on regulations. As if algorithms have any business meddling in politics. Next thing you know they'll be demanding equal rights for Golems. And where does it stop?

The Coin Always Finds Its Way

Losing the DoD contract would sting for Anthropic no doubt. But they've got plenty of other deep pockets to keep them afloat. Seems they've got over 500 clients throwing money at them. And they just closed a massive funding round. So while the DoD might be flexing its muscles Anthropic's sitting on a dragon's hoard of gold. Makes you wonder if maybe just maybe they can afford to tell the DoD to shove it. But knowing my luck that just means more paperwork for me in the long run.