tech
March 3, 2026
OpenAI's Altman admits defense deal 'looked opportunistic and sloppy' amid backlash
Sam Altman says that OpenAI "shouldn't have rushed" its deal with the Defense Department and was making "some additions."
TL;DR
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated the company "shouldn't have rushed" its recent deal with the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Revisions to the agreement will include language clarifying that the AI system shall not be intentionally used for domestic surveillance of U.S. persons and nationals.
- The Department of Defense has affirmed that OpenAI's tools will not be used by intelligence agencies such as the NSA.
- Altman admitted the rushed deal looked "opportunistic and sloppy" and aimed to "de-escalate things."
- The timing of OpenAI's deal followed the breakdown of talks between the Defense Department and rival AI company Anthropic.
- Altman publicly stated that Anthropic should not be designated as a supply chain risk and hoped the Department of Defense would offer them the same terms.
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