The founder of open-source AI, OpenAI, Sam Altman, announced their official partnership with the U.S. Department of War (DOW) to provide them AI tools for military use in ‘Classified environment.’
AI’s role in cybersecurity and biosecurity
The announcement came right after the headlines of President Donald Trump mentioning the split between the US government and Anthropic, including its AI model Claude. The change was due to the objection against Anthropic’s obligations to abide by the company’s terms of service.
Following the announcement, Crypto Twitter (CT) enthusiasts made comments and asked questions about the role of OpenAI in DOW’s operations. Altman responded to the X AMA about OpenAI’s new deal with the U.S. Department of War, which allows AI deployment on classified networks with safeguards against misuse like autonomous weapons or surveillance.
“I’d like to answer questions about our work with the DoW and our thinking over the past few days. Please AMA (ask me anything),’ Sam posted.
Altman addresses public concern and answers Anthony Pompilano
The discussion brought in entrepreneur and investor Anthony Pompliano, raising questions over what AI-native things the Department of War is not yet doing that Sam sees as opportunities over the next decade.
The two things I am currently most worried about where AI can help are a) the ability to defend against major cyberattacks (e.g., something on the scale of taking our whole electrical grid down) and b) the ability to contribute to biosecurity.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI
But he also added that OpenAI’s current model is not well set to detect or respond to a “novel pandemic threat.” He frames the scenario as a defensive capability the U.S. currently lacks and where AI could make a big difference in protection.
According to OpenAI, their restrictions are more enforceable than Anthropic’s, as they will only provide the DOW with their technology through the cloud, instead of their hardware.
