US Media: Google Signs AI Agreement with Pentagon for Classified Use
Google has reportedly signed a deal with the US Department of Defense to provide AI models for classified government work, joining competitors like OpenAI and xAI.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 19:23
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 19:32 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 20:06 (34 min after Collected)
Alphabet's Google has joined other tech firms in signing a cooperation agreement with the US Department of Defense to provide artificial intelligence (AI) models for classified work, according to The Information, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The Information reported that this agreement allows the Pentagon to use Google's AI for 'any lawful government use.' This puts Google alongside OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI, both of which have also reached agreements with the Department of Defense to provide AI models for classified purposes.
Classified networks are used for various sensitive tasks, including mission planning and weapon targeting.
Last year, the Pentagon signed individual agreements worth up to $200 million each with major AI research institutions like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google.
The Information noted that under Google's agreement, the company is required to assist in adjusting AI safety settings and filtering mechanisms upon government request.
The contract also specifies that both parties agree AI systems should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons (including target selection) unless there is appropriate human oversight and control.
However, the agreement also emphasizes that Google has no right to control or veto lawful government operational decisions.
Reuters could not verify the contents of the report, and the US Department of Defense has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Google stated that the company supports government agencies in executing various classified and unclassified programs. A spokesperson mentioned that the company remains committed to the industry consensus that AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without appropriate human oversight.
More than 600 Google employees sent a letter to CEO Sundar Pichai yesterday, urging the company to reject the agreement with the Pentagon, citing concerns that Google's AI tools would be used to cause serious harm or erode civil liberties.
The Information reported that this agreement allows the Pentagon to use Google's AI for 'any lawful government use.' This puts Google alongside OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI, both of which have also reached agreements with the Department of Defense to provide AI models for classified purposes.
Classified networks are used for various sensitive tasks, including mission planning and weapon targeting.
Last year, the Pentagon signed individual agreements worth up to $200 million each with major AI research institutions like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google.
The Information noted that under Google's agreement, the company is required to assist in adjusting AI safety settings and filtering mechanisms upon government request.
The contract also specifies that both parties agree AI systems should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons (including target selection) unless there is appropriate human oversight and control.
However, the agreement also emphasizes that Google has no right to control or veto lawful government operational decisions.
Reuters could not verify the contents of the report, and the US Department of Defense has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Google stated that the company supports government agencies in executing various classified and unclassified programs. A spokesperson mentioned that the company remains committed to the industry consensus that AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without appropriate human oversight.
More than 600 Google employees sent a letter to CEO Sundar Pichai yesterday, urging the company to reject the agreement with the Pentagon, citing concerns that Google's AI tools would be used to cause serious harm or erode civil liberties.