Tech Giants rally to defend Anthropic in DoD labeling feud

Google, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft have joined Anthropic’s lawsuit against the Defense Department’s decision to label Anthropic a “supply chain risk,” arguing the action and related pressure on its customers infringe on free speech and could chill innovation. A joint amicus brief from the Chamber of Progress and other tech groups, alongside briefs from OpenAI/Google employees and dozens of former military officials, warned the government’s stance could have broad negative consequences for the tech sector. Meta did not participate. Anthropic contends the DoD’s move amounts to retaliation for its public stance on AI use; the DoD and Justice Department did not fully deny pressuring customers, and Anthropic plans to sue the Pentagon, highlighting the tension between national security concerns and speech rights in AI policy.