OpenAI changes deal with US after backlash

OpenAI says it has agreed changes to the “opportunistic and sloppy” deal it struck with the US government over the use of its technology in classified military operations.

On Monday OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said the company would add the language to its agreement, including explicitly prohibiting the use of its systems to spy on Americans.

The deal had emerged on Friday following a fallout between OpenAI’s rival Anthropic and the Department of Defense, over concerns around the use of its AI model Claude for mass surveillance and in fully autonomous weapons.

But it has raised questions over how AI is used in war and how much power rests with government and private companies.