The United States government has officially designated artificial intelligence company Anthropic as a “supply chain risk”; a classification historically reserved for foreign adversaries and hostile entities.
The move marks the first time such a label has reportedly been applied to a U.S.-based technology company.
A “supply chain risk” designation typically signals that an entity poses potential threats to national security, critical infrastructure, or federal procurement systems. In past cases, similar classifications have led to restrictions on federal contracts, government use of products, and partnerships involving sensitive systems.
While full details of the decision have not yet been publicly disclosed, the designation could significantly impact Anthropic’s relationship with federal agencies, defense contractors, and companies operating within government supply chains.
The development comes amid escalating tensions between parts of the U.S. defense establishment and major AI firms over access to advanced AI models, deployment parameters, and ethical limits surrounding surveillance and military applications.
Industry analysts say the decision could reshape how AI companies engage with national security institutions, and may signal a broader shift in federal oversight of advanced artificial intelligence technologies.
We did a 10 slide infographic on the ongoing rift between Anthropic and the US Pentagon. Go have a look:
