On Thursday, Anthropic announced a partnership with data analytics firm Palantir and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to grant U. S. intelligence and defense agencies access to its Claude AI models. This move aligns with a trend of AI vendors pursuing deals with U. S. defense clients for strategic and financial benefits. For instance, Meta recently disclosed plans to offer its Llama models to defense partners, while OpenAI is working on strengthening ties with the U. S. Defense Department. Kate Earle Jensen, Anthropic’s head of sales, stated that the partnership with Palantir and AWS aims to integrate Claude into Palantir’s platform using AWS hosting. Claude recently became an option on Palantir, now accessible in the defense-secure environment Palantir Impact Level 6 (IL6). The Defense Department designates IL6 for systems containing crucial national security data that require the highest protection against unauthorized access. IL6 systems can manage information at the "secret" level, just below top secret. Jensen expressed pride in leading efforts to introduce responsible AI solutions to classified U. S. settings, enhancing analytical capabilities and operational efficiencies in government operations.

She stated, “Access to Claude within Palantir on AWS will empower U. S. defense and intelligence entities with advanced AI tools to swiftly process and analyze extensive and complex data. This will significantly enhance intelligence analysis, aid officials in decision-making, streamline resource-intensive tasks, and increase operational efficiency across departments. ” Earlier this year, Anthropic introduced select Claude models to AWS’ GovCloud, marking its intent to broaden its public sector clientele. GovCloud is AWS's cloud service tailored for U. S. government needs. Anthropic positions itself as a more safety-oriented vendor compared to OpenAI. However, its terms of service permit using its products for functions like “legally authorized foreign intelligence analysis, ” “detecting covert influence or sabotage campaigns, ” and “providing warnings of potential military activities. ” Government interest in AI is apparent. A March 2024 Brookings Institute report showed a 1, 200% increase in AI-related government contracts. Nevertheless, sections like the U. S. military are cautious about adopting AI, questioning its return on investment.