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AI · Anthropic · Lawsuit · Regulation
Anthropic secured a federal injunction against the Donald Trump administration, with Judge Rita F. Lin ordering the rescission of its "supply chain risk" designation and the withdrawal of directives for federal agencies to sever ties, effectively blocking the government's attempt to restrict the AI company's operations.
The dispute arose from Anthropic's refusal to allow unrestricted government use of its AI models, specifically prohibiting deployment in autonomous weapons and mass surveillance, which the Pentagon opposed. The administration subsequently labeled Anthropic a supply chain risk, a designation typically for foreign entities, and directed agencies to cease engagement.
Judge Lin stated the government's actions appeared designed to cripple Anthropic and violated free speech protections, as reported by TechCrunch. The White House had previously criticized Anthropic as a "radical-left organization" and raised national security concerns, while Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called the Defense Department's actions retaliatory.
Anthropic welcomed the court's "swift action," stating the judgment indicated probable success on the merits and affirmed its commitment to constructive government engagement for safe AI use.
