US Court Finds Pentagon's Ban on AI Company Anthropic Unlawful

US Federal Judge Rita F. Lin ruled that the sanctions against artificial intelligence company Anthropic were unconstitutional and unlawful, making the preliminary injunction from March permanent.

Details of the Court Ruling

US Federal Judge Rita F. Lin announced on Thursday that the Trump administration's sanctions against AI giant Anthropic were unlawful. Judge Lin found that the government engaged in an unlawful retaliation against the company for publicly criticizing the Pentagon.

National Security Justification

In her 59-page ruling, Judge Rita F. Lin emphasized that the concept of national security cannot be used as a blank check to punish critics of the government. It was ruled that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's characterization of the company as a supply chain risk was arbitrary and a violation of the First Amendment.

Background of the Dispute

The dispute began when Anthropic refused to allow its AI models to be used for mass surveillance of American citizens or lethal autonomous weapons. Following this refusal, the administration imposed sanctions, canceled military contracts, and banned other contractors from using the company's technology.

Company Statement and Process

The court ruling prevented federal agencies from enforcing President Donald Trump's order to halt the use of the tools and lifted the supply chain risk designation. Anthropic stated that it welcomed the court decision and that its focus is on doing productive work in the field of national security.