Alphabet Researchers Join Microsoft’s Bid to Block Pentagon Anthropic Blacklist
Microsoft filed an amicus brief in San Francisco federal court backing Anthropic’s bid to halt the Pentagon’s “supply chain risk” designation, arguing contractors face costly redesigns without a transition period. A group of 37 researchers and engineers from Alphabet’s Google also submitted a supporting amicus brief.
1. Microsoft’s Amicus Brief
On March 10, Microsoft submitted an amicus brief in federal court in San Francisco supporting Anthropic’s request for a temporary restraining order against the Pentagon’s supply-chain risk designation. The filing argues the government should pause its blacklist determination while the court evaluates potential impacts on defense suppliers integrating Anthropic technology.
2. Pentagon Supply-Chain Risk Designation
The Pentagon’s designation labels certain vendors as supply-chain risks, potentially restricting their AI tools in defense systems. Internal Pentagon use of Anthropic models will phase out over six months, but no equivalent grace period was offered to external contractors.
3. Alphabet Researchers’ Support
A contingent of 37 researchers and engineers from Alphabet’s Google formally backed Anthropic by filing an amicus brief. The group cited concerns over rapid enforcement disrupting innovation and existing integrations of Anthropic’s AI models.
4. Contractor Disruption Risks
Without a temporary restraining order, defense contractors may need to redesign hardware and software tied to Anthropic AI tools, leading to project delays and increased costs. Microsoft warned these disruptions could cascade across the defense supply chain if the designation takes effect immediately.