Google expands Pentagon’s access to its AI after Anthropic’s refusal

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. TechCrunch Desktop Logo TechCrunch Mobile Logo LatestStartupsVentureAppleSecurityAIApps EventsPodcastsNewsletters SearchSubmit Site Search Toggle Mega Menu Toggle Topics Latest Google expands Pentagon’s access to its AI after Anthropic’s refusal Julie Bort 11:15 AM PDT · April 28, 2026 Google has granted the U.S. Department of Defense access to its AI for classified networks, essentially allowing all lawful uses, according to multiple news reports. This deal follows Anthropic’s public stand against the Trump administration after the model maker refused to grant the DoD the same terms. The Pentagon wanted unrestricted use of AI, whereas Anthropic wanted guardrails to prevent its AI from being used for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Because Anthropic refused those use cases, the DoD branded the model maker a “supply-chain risk” — a designation normally reserved for foreign adversaries. Anthropic and the DoD are now embroiled in a lawsuit, with a judge last month granting Anthropic an injunction against the designation while the case proceeds. Google marks the third AI company to try and turn Anthropic’s loss into its own gain. OpenAI immediately signed a deal with the DoD, as did xAI. Google’s agreement includes some language saying that it doesn’t intend for its AI to be used for domestic mass surveillance or in autonomous weapons, The Wall Street Journal reports, which is similar to contract language with OpenAI. But it is unclear whether such provisions are legally binding or enforceable, per the WSJ. Google entered this deal even though 950 of its employees have signed an open letter asking it to follow Anthropic’s lead and not sell AI to the Defense Department without similar guardrails. Google tells TechCrunch that it is “proud” to be among the AI companies supporting national security and that it believes AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons unless a human is overseeing such operations. Here is the full written statement a spokesperson sent: “We are proud to be part of a broad consortium of leading AI labs and technology and cloud companies providing AI services and infrastructure in support of national security. We support government agencies across both classified and non-classified projects, applying our expertise to areas like logistics, cybersecurity, diplomatic translation, fleet maintenance, and the defense of critical infrastructure. “We believe that providing API access to our commercial models, including on Google infrastructure, with industry-standard practices and terms, represents a responsible approach to supporting national security. We remain committed to the private and public sector consensus that AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weaponry without appropriate human oversight.”  When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence. Julie Bort Venture Editor April 30 San Francisco, CA StrictlyVC kicks off the year in SF. Register now for unfiltered fireside chats and VC insights with leaders from Uber, Replit, Eclipse, and more. Plus, high-value connections that actually move the needle. Tickets are limited. Most Popular Two college kids raise a $5.1 million pre-seed to build an AI social network in iMessage Dominic-Madori Davis Meta’s loss is Thinking Machines’ gain Connie Loizos Google to invest up to $40B in Anthropic in cash and compute Rebecca Bellan OpenAI releases GPT-5.5, bringing company one step closer to an AI ‘super app’ Lucas Ropek Microsoft offers buyout for up to 7% of US employees Amanda Silberling Elon Musk admits millions of Tesla owners need upgrades for true ‘Full Self-Driving’ Sean O'Kane Duolingo is now giving users access to advanced learning content Lauren Forristal X LinkedIn Facebook Instagram youTube Mastodon Threads Bluesky TechCrunchStaffContact UsAdvertiseCrunchboard JobsSite Map Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyRSS Terms of UseCode of Conduct Tim CookJohn TernusNew GlennWhatsAppMythosTech LayoffsChatGPT © 2026 TechCrunch Media LLC.