The National Security Agency is using Anthropic’s latest AI model, Mythos Preview, even as the company remains locked in a legal battle with the U.S. government over military contracts and security designations.
The development comes months after the Trump administration banned government agencies from using Anthropic’s services, following disputes over AI safety restrictions for military applications. The ongoing tension highlights the complex relationship between AI companies and national security agencies.
New AI model designed for security tasks
Anthropic announced Mythos Preview in early April, marketing it as a general-purpose language model with particular strength in computer security applications. The company describes the model as “strikingly capable at computer security tasks,” making it potentially valuable for intelligence work.
The NSA gained access as one of roughly 40 organizations included in Anthropic’s preview program. Sources indicate the model is being used more broadly within the intelligence community beyond just the NSA.
White House meeting signals potential thaw
The NSA’s use of Mythos Preview follows a recent meeting between Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and White House officials, including chief of staff Susie Wiles. The Friday meeting reportedly focused on discussions about the new AI model.
The White House characterized the meeting as “productive and constructive,” though President Trump claimed he had “no idea” about it when questioned by reporters. This suggests potential behind-the-scenes efforts to resolve the standoff between Anthropic and federal agencies.
Legal battles continue
Despite the NSA’s apparent use of Anthropic’s technology, the company remains embroiled in multiple legal disputes with the U.S. government:
- Trump ordered all government agencies to stop using Anthropic’s services in February
- The administration labeled Anthropic a “supply chain risk” after contract negotiations stalled
- Anthropic filed lawsuits against the Department of Defense in two courts in March
- One court granted a preliminary injunction blocking the supply chain designation
- Another federal judge denied Anthropic’s motion to lift the label
Why this matters
The situation reflects broader tensions between AI safety advocates and national security priorities. Anthropic has positioned itself as focused on AI safety and responsible development, often implementing stricter safeguards than competitors.
The company’s refusal to compromise on certain military use restrictions led to the current standoff, yet intelligence agencies appear eager to access its latest capabilities. This creates a complex dynamic where the government simultaneously restricts and uses Anthropic’s technology across different agencies.
