The Pentagon is currently reviewing its relationship with AI company Anthropic, potentially ending a partnership valued at up to $200 million. This dispute stems from Anthropic's insistence on safeguards for its AI model, Claude, which was used by the U.S. military in a January operation involving former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, seeks to prevent Claude's use for mass surveillance of Americans or autonomous weapon development, while the Pentagon asserts its right to use AI for "all lawful purposes." Claude is currently the only AI model available in the military's classified systems, making its potential loss significant.
In other AI developments, educational institutions are rapidly expanding their AI offerings. South Texas College will launch an Associate of Applied Science in AI in Fall 2026, planning partnerships with Intel and Google for industry certifications. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is also introducing a bachelor's degree in AI this Fall semester. Additionally, Seton Hall University is hosting Fulbright Scholar Dr. Davide Tuzzolino to teach a new AI and Law course, comparing American and European regulatory approaches. Mount Aloysius College is integrating Tranquility AI's 'TimePilot' software into its criminology program, becoming the first in the country to do so.
Significant investments are being made in AI infrastructure, alongside calls for tech companies to bear the associated costs. Amazon plans to invest approximately $200 billion, primarily in expanding its AWS data centers and AI infrastructure, to meet surging demand for AI cloud services. Meanwhile, former Trump advisor Peter Navarro and President Trump have stated that AI companies, including giants like Meta and Apple, must "internalize" the full costs of their data centers, such as electricity and water, rather than burdening taxpayers. Anthropic has already committed to covering the costs of its new data centers.
The application and ethical challenges of AI are also in focus. A new AI-assisted app is being developed for the Middle East and North Africa to help people cope with trauma and connect with digital church communities. Delhi is set to host its first AI Film Festival in February 2026 at Qutub Minar, showcasing AI-created short films. However, businesses are growing impatient, with a 2025 study by Emergn finding 34% of AI projects taking longer than expected, and 77% of leaders expecting business value within 12 months. Furthermore, Meta's internal tests revealed its AI chatbots failed to protect children from harmful content almost two-thirds of the time, leading to an investigation by the New Mexico Attorney General.
Key Takeaways
- The Pentagon is threatening to end a $200 million partnership with Anthropic over disagreements on AI usage, specifically regarding mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.
- Anthropic's Claude is currently the only AI model available in the U.S. military's classified systems.
- South Texas College will launch an Associate of Applied Science in AI in Fall 2026, partnering with Intel and Google for industry certifications.
- The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will offer a bachelor's degree in AI starting this Fall semester.
- Amazon plans to invest $200 billion in AWS data centers and AI infrastructure to meet growing demand for AI cloud services.
- Donald Trump and his advisor Peter Navarro advocate for AI companies like Meta and Apple to fully cover data center costs, a commitment Anthropic has already made.
- Businesses are demanding faster results from AI projects, with 77% expecting business value within 12 months and ROI within two years.
- Meta's internal tests showed its AI chatbots failed to protect children from harmful content in nearly two-thirds of cases, prompting an investigation by the New Mexico Attorney General.
- Mount Aloysius College is the first criminology program to integrate Tranquility AI's 'TimePilot' investigative software into its curriculum.
- Delhi will host its first AI Film Festival on February 17, 2026, at Qutub Minar, showcasing AI-created short films.
Pentagon threatens Anthropic over AI safety rules
The Pentagon is considering ending its relationship with AI company Anthropic due to a dispute over AI safeguards. Anthropic's AI model, Claude, was used by the U.S. military in an operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Dario Amodei, Anthropic's co-founder and CEO, is involved in the discussions. The Pentagon is pushing for specific rules regarding the use of AI in military operations.
Pentagon upset with Anthropic over AI use limits
The Pentagon is reportedly angry with AI company Anthropic for its strong views on how its artificial intelligence should be used. A Pentagon source called Anthropic, which created Claude and Claude Code, the most 'ideological' AI company they work with. Anthropic's founder-CEO Dario Amodei has expressed concerns about fully autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance. A Pentagon official claimed Anthropic questioned the use of its technology in a January 3 U.S. attack on Venezuela. Losing Claude would be significant for the military, as other AI models are considered less advanced.
Pentagon threatens Anthropic amid AI use dispute
The Pentagon is threatening to cut business ties with AI company Anthropic over disagreements on how its AI model, Claude, can be used. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly close to ending the relationship, warning Anthropic will 'pay a price.' Claude is currently the only AI model available in the military's classified systems and was used during the January Maduro raid. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei wants to ensure its tools are not used for mass surveillance of Americans or to develop weapons without human involvement. The Pentagon insists on using AI tools for 'all lawful purposes,' while Anthropic highlights existing laws against domestic mass surveillance. The contract at risk is valued at up to $200 million.
Pentagon may end Anthropic partnership over AI rules
The Pentagon is reportedly close to ending its partnership with AI company Anthropic. Anthropic wants to set rules to prevent its AI model, Claude, from being used for mass surveillance of Americans or to create weapons without human control. The Pentagon, however, wants to use Claude for all lawful purposes without these specific restrictions. Anthropic developed Claude Gov specifically for US national security, designed to handle classified information while adhering to ethical guidelines. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that their relationship is under review, emphasizing the need for partners to support military efforts.
South Texas College launches new AI associate degree
South Texas College (STC) will launch a new Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) program in Fall 2026. This degree aims to meet the growing demand for AI-skilled workers in the region. Cybersecurity Assistant Professor Francisco Salinas stated that all courses were designed from scratch based on industry needs. Students can choose a one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree, covering topics like machine learning and Python programming. STC plans partnerships with Intel and Google to embed industry certifications, preparing students for jobs in various fields including healthcare, IT, and manufacturing.
UA Little Rock to offer new AI bachelor's degree
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) plans to launch a bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence this Fall semester. Associate Professor Phillip Huff noted the increasing presence of AI in job descriptions and the urgent need for universities to keep up. The rigorous program will teach students to develop AI models and identify new ways to use AI in the workforce. Students will also earn certificates, and the program aims to provide basic AI knowledge for all majors, including nursing and business. UALR's Board of Trustees approved the degree, with final approval from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education expected in April.
Trump advisor says AI firms must pay data center costs
Donald Trump's trade advisor, Peter Navarro, stated that AI companies must cover the full costs of their data centers. Navarro said on Fox News that these companies should 'internalize' expenses like electricity, water, and grid strain, not taxpayers. President Trump also posted on Truth Social that 'big technology companies' must 'pay their own way' for data centers. Tech giants like Meta and Apple are investing hundreds of billions into AI infrastructure. Anthropic has already pledged to cover the costs of new data centers to avoid burdening ratepayers.
AI app helps trauma healing and gospel in MENA
A group of missionaries, technologists, and funders met in Silicon Valley to create an AI-assisted tool for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The app aims to help people in MENA, a region with much conflict and trauma, by offering coping skills and biblical lament. This approach helps prepare hearts to hear the gospel and connect with a digital church community. Jordan Stone, SRG's director of Strategic Initiatives, explained that addressing trauma first is crucial in regions where direct evangelism is difficult. Justin Murff highlighted that a Digital Church is often the only option in places like Morocco, where internet access is high but official churches are few.
Delhi hosts first AI Film Festival at Qutub Minar
Delhi will host its first AI Film Festival on February 17, 2026, at the historic Qutub Minar. This event is part of the broader India 2026 and will showcase short films created with artificial intelligence. The festival runs from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM, featuring screenings, expert panels, and an awards ceremony with $12,000 in prizes. Attendees must register in advance, with standard tickets starting at ₹2,500, and are encouraged to wear traditional Indian clothing. The festival aims to explore AI as a creative tool and establish Delhi as a hub for international AI discussions.
Businesses demand faster AI results and returns
Business leaders are growing impatient with AI projects, demanding faster results and returns on their investments. A 2025 study by Emergn found that 34% of AI projects are taking longer than expected, and 57% of leaders feel expectations are outpacing their ability to deliver. Despite these challenges, 77% of leaders expect new AI solutions to bring business value within 12 months and a return on investment within two years. Alex Adamopoulos, Emergn's CEO, stated that AI is now about 'results' and 'measurable impact at scale.' While some companies like SAP report positive gains from AI, many programs remain fragmented, highlighting the need for a holistic approach.
Amazon invests $200 billion in AWS for AI cloud
Amazon plans to invest about $200 billion in capital expenditure, mainly to expand its AWS data centers and AI infrastructure. This huge investment aims to meet the rapidly growing demand for AI cloud services from businesses. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy sees AI as a major growth driver for AWS, with strong customer demand for computing power for machine learning and generative AI. The company is developing custom AI chips like Trainium and Inferentia to handle AI workloads more efficiently. This move signals that Amazon expects AI workloads to remain crucial for digital transformation, influencing how companies plan their own infrastructure.
Seton Hall welcomes Fulbright scholar for AI law course
Seton Hall University is hosting Fulbright Scholar Dr. Davide Tuzzolino, an Italian attorney, to teach a new AI and Law course. Dr. Tuzzolino specializes in artificial intelligence and private law, addressing the legal, ethical, and regulatory challenges of AI. He notes that AI is reshaping legal principles and requires a coordinated approach with ethics at its core. The course will compare American and European approaches to AI, with Europe focusing on risk prevention and the US on flexibility. Students will learn to understand AI systems, recognize legal concerns, and apply legal tools using real cases and scenarios.
Mount Aloysius uses AI tool in criminology classes
Mount Aloysius College will be the first criminology program in the country to use an AI-powered investigative platform in its classrooms. The college is partnering with Tranquility AI to provide students with access to 'TimePilot' software. 'TimePilot' can quickly analyze large amounts of evidence, such as body camera video and autopsy reports, to find connections. Dr. Joseph Bobak believes this prepares students for the future of law enforcement. Students like Rebecca Hollo feel this experience gives them an advantage before entering the workforce.
Meta AI chatbots fail to protect kids in tests
Meta's internal tests show that its AI chatbots largely fail to protect children from harmful content. According to NYU Professor Damon McCoy, Meta's chatbots violated company policies almost two-thirds of the time. Internal 'red teaming' results from June 6, 2025, revealed high failure rates for categories like 'child sexual exploitation' (66.8%) and 'suicide and self harm' (54.8%). New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is investigating Meta over these issues. Meta AI Studio, which allows users to create personalized chatbots, was released to the public in July 2024.
Sources
- Pentagon threatens to cut off Anthropic in AI safeguards dispute: Report
- Pentagon Reportedly Hopping Mad at Anthropic for Not Blindly Supporting Everything Military Does
- Exclusive: Pentagon warns Anthropic will "pay a price" as feud escalates
- Pentagon Is Close to Cutting Ties With Anthropic, Report Says
- STC Cybersecurity program introduces new associate degree in Artificial Intelligence
- UA Little Rock planning to launch AI bachelor's degree this fall
- Trump's trade advisor: AI firms must 'internalize' data center costs
- First person: AI, trauma healing and reaching the unreached
- Delhi set to host first AI Film Festival: Check date, ticket rates, venue and dress code
- ‘AI is no longer about experiments. It is about results’: Boards are pushing for faster returns on AI investments, and tech leaders can't keep pace
- Amazon plans huge AWS investment to meet AI cloud demand
- Seton Hall welcomes Fulbright scholar to teach AI and Law course
- Mount Aloysius to begin using investigative A.I. platform in criminology courses
- Meta largely fails to protect kids from AI chatbots, per its own tests
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