Sam Altman is facing online backlash after announcing that OpenAI has reached an agreement with the US Department of War (DoW) to deploy its AI models within the authority’s classified network, a move that has ignited concerns around mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.The controversy erupted amid a rift between the US government and rival AI firm Anthropic, whose CEO Dario Amodei recently refused similar cooperation terms, citing safety red lines.

The deal with the Department of War

In a post on X, Altman wrote: “Tonight, we reached an agreement with the Department of War to deploy our models in their classified network. In all of our interactions, the DoW displayed a deep respect for safety and a desire to partner to achieve the best possible outcome.”He added: “AI safety and wide distribution of benefits are the core of our mission. Two of our most important safety principles are prohibitions on domestic mass surveillance and human responsibility for the use of force, including for autonomous weapon systems. The DoW agrees with these principles, reflects them in law and policy, and we put them into our agreement.”Altman further said that OpenAI would build “technical safeguards” to ensure models behave appropriately, deploy field deployment engineers (FDEs) for oversight, and restrict systems to cloud networks.However, a Community Note appended to his post claimed government officials contradicted Altman’s assurances, stating that OpenAI’s models could be used for “all lawful purposes.” Critics argue that under certain interpretations of post-9/11 laws, including provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, such language could potentially allow mass data collection in specific scenarios.

Anthropic’s refusal and Trump’s ban

This comes days after Anthropic took a public stand against providing its Claude AI models for autonomous weapons or mass surveillance of US citizens.In a blog post, the company reiterated two non-negotiable red lines: no use in autonomous weapons systems and no participation in domestic mass surveillance programmes.The refusal drew sharp criticism from US officials. President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to stop using Anthropic’s technology “immediately,” escalating tensions between Silicon Valley and Washington.US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth slammed the company in a strongly worded statement: “This week, Anthropic delivered a master class in arrogance and betrayal… Our position has never wavered and will never waver: the Department of War must have full, unrestricted access to Anthropic’s models for every LAWFUL purpose in defense of the Republic.”He added: Anthropic’s stance is fundamentally incompatible with American principles.”Hegseth further directed the DoW to designate Anthropic a “Supply-Chain Risk to National Security,” banning contractors from commercial engagement with the firm, while allowing a six-month transition period.

Sam Altman faces online backlash

The backlash against Altman was swift and intense, particularly across Reddit and X, with users accusing OpenAI of compromising on principles that Anthropic chose to defend.One user wrote:“I just canceled ChatGPT and bought Claude Pro Max.”Another said: “Sam Altman is such an incredible backstabber, liar and traitor. While your competitor is taking a heroic and principled stand, you swoop in to make your deal. Imagine working for this guy – is there a greater shame?”A third post read: “We’ve been warning for years that this is where AI was leading: mass surveillance, automated bombings, the imprisonment of freethinkers. It’s urgent that we collectively boycott OpenAI and ChatGPT.”“This should lead to a mass exodus from OpenAI. One stands up for the God-given rights of the American people. The other folds to tyrants.” wrote another.The episode has deepened divisions within the AI industry, with some leaders backing the administration’s push for broader AI deployment in defense settings, while others insist on tighter guardrails.