OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says he can't speak for the Pentagon, but 'Anthropic seemed more focused on...
Times of India
by TOI TECH DESKMarch 2, 2026
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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has revealed his insights into why OpenAI secured a Pentagon deal while rival Anthropic did not, suggesting that Anthropic's stricter contractual demands may have been the key factor. During an Ask Me Anything session on X, Altman hinted that Anthropic's focus on "specific prohibitions" in contracts, rather than relying on applicable laws, could have led to the breakdown of negotiations. He also noted that OpenAI's approach emphasizes technical safeguards over contractual restrictions for AI safety, which may have made it more appealing to the Pentagon.
The situation took a significant turn when Defense Secretary Pete Tegart declared Anthropic a "supply chain risk to national security," effectively banning the company from military contracts. President Trump escalated the matter by ordering all federal agencies to stop using Anthropic's products and labeling the company as "radical left" on Truth Social. Anthropic has vowed to challenge this designation in court, reiterating its stance against mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons.
Altman emphasized that OpenAI's safety strategy involves a "layered approach," including technical safeguards like a controlled safety stack, cloud-only deployment, and forward-deployed engineers. While contracts are important, he stressed that OpenAI prioritizes technical measures over contractual language to ensure AI safety in government use. The deal with the Pentagon also included terms aimed at de-escalating tensions within the AI industry, such as advocating for similar agreements with other AI labs, including Anthropic.
The fallout between OpenAI and Anthropic highlights broader concerns about AI's role in national security and the potential risks of unrestricted technology use. As the AI industry continues to evolve, the stakes are high, particularly given the global implications of advanced AI systems. The rivalry between these two companies underscores the delicate balance between innovation, regulation, and ethical deployment of artificial intelligence.
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/2/2026