Tech giant Google has signed a classified artificial intelligence (AI) agreement with the Pentagon, according to a report by The Information. The deal permits the Pentagon to employ Google's AI technologies for any lawful government purpose, the report stated.
Google Joins Growing List of AI Firms in Defense Sector
With this agreement, Google becomes part of an expanding roster of technology companies, including ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, Claude-parent Anthropic, and Elon Musk's xAI, that have entered into contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense for using AI models in classified work. In 2025, the Pentagon has signed agreements worth up to $200 million each with major AI laboratories.
Key Provisions of the Google-Pentagon Agreement
Google's contract with the U.S. Department of Defense includes specific clauses regarding the utilization and modification of its AI systems by the government. According to the contract cited by The Information, Google is required to assist in adjusting AI safety settings and content filters upon government request. This implies that the company may need to alter how its AI tools respond or function in particular use cases.
The agreement also stipulates that the AI system is not intended for, and should not be used for, domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons, including target selection, without appropriate human oversight and control. However, the contract adds that the agreement does not confer any right to control or veto lawful government operational decision-making, indicating that final decisions on usage remain with the government, the report noted.
A spokesperson for Google Public Sector, the unit handling U.S. government business, informed The Information that the new agreement is an amendment to an existing contract.
