Google in Talks to Allow Pentagon Use Gemini Models in Classified Settings

Google is negotiating an agreement with the Department of Defense to deploy its Gemini AI models in classified settings, according to a report from The Information, citing two people with direct knowledge of the discussions.

The deal would mark a significant shift from Google’s previous position on military collaboration and expand its role as a Pentagon technology contractor.

The discussions focus on allowing the Pentagon to use Google’s AI for all lawful purposes. Google has proposed specific contract language to prevent its AI from being used for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, including targeting, without appropriate human oversight.

The proposed terms appear similar to the agreement OpenAI reached with the Pentagon earlier this year. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly asked the Pentagon to offer the same terms to all AI companies to ensure industry-wide parity.

It remains unclear if Google’s proposed terms will be included in the final contract. The issues of surveillance and autonomy were central to a dispute that erupted in February between the Pentagon and Anthropic.

A standoff began in January after Anthropic refused to loosen safety guardrails on its systems. The Pentagon labeled the AI lab a supply-chain risk, putting the company’s government contracts in jeopardy.

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/google-talks-pentagon-over-gemini-135411059.html