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The chief executive of artificial intelligence company Anthropic has said the firm will continue defending its internal safety policies despite growing tensions with the United States Department of Defense over the military use of advanced AI systems.

In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei explained that the company remains open to working with the U.S. military but only if its core ethical and technical boundaries are respected.

“We are still interested in working with them as long as it is in line with our red lines,” Amodei said, referring to internal safety safeguards designed to limit certain applications of the company’s technology.

The disagreement emerged after Anthropic requested formal restrictions on how its AI model could be used in defense operations. The company has emphasized two primary concerns.

First, Anthropic wants to prevent large-scale surveillance of American citizens through government use of its AI systems. Second, the company seeks limitations on potential development or deployment of autonomous weapon systems that could operate without meaningful human oversight.

The Pentagon, however, has maintained that existing federal law already restricts mass surveillance of U.S. citizens and that internal military policies already limit fully autonomous combat weapons.

Defense officials argue that written contractual restrictions are unnecessary because operational safeguards already exist inside the military command structure.

The dispute intensified after federal authorities set a deadline for negotiations. When agreement was not reached, the administration directed federal agencies to discontinue use of Anthropic technology.

The decision followed a declaration that Anthropic would be considered a potential national security supply chain risk, restricting military contractors from continuing commercial engagement with the company.

Military technology officials stated that government users should rely on alternative AI platforms considered more aligned with defense requirements.

Emil Michael, the Pentagon’s chief technology officer, said the military had attempted compromise. “At some level, you have to trust your military to do the right thing,” he said, adding that security planning must also account for strategic competition in global AI development.

Anthropic leadership argues that AI development is advancing faster than legal and regulatory frameworks governing its use.

Amodei warned that emerging technology could enable new forms of data analysis or operational automation that society has not yet fully regulated.