Anthropic Appoints National Security Expert to Trust

Anthropic Strengthens AI Safety Focus with National Security Expert

Anthropic has appointed Richard Fontaine, a national security expert, to its long-term benefit trust. This move follows the company's recent announcement of new AI models designed for U.S. national security applications.

The long-term benefit trust is a key governance mechanism for Anthropic. It prioritizes AI safety over profit and elects some of the company's board of directors. Other trust members include leaders from the Centre for Effective Altruism, Clinton Health Access Initiative, and Evidence Action.

Fontaine's Expertise to Guide AI Security Decisions

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stated that Fontaine's appointment will strengthen the trust's ability to navigate complex AI security decisions. Amodei emphasized the importance of democratic nations leading responsible AI development for global security and the common good.

Richard's expertise comes at a critical time as advanced AI capabilities increasingly intersect with national security considerations. I've long believed that ensuring democratic nations maintain leadership in responsible AI development is essential for both global security and the common good.

Fontaine, who will not have a financial stake in Anthropic, brings significant experience to the role. He previously served as a foreign policy advisor to the late Senator John McCain and taught security studies at Georgetown. He also led the Center for a New American Security, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, for over six years.

Anthropic and the Growing Defense AI Landscape

Anthropic's focus on national security customers aligns with a broader trend in the AI industry. The company recently partnered with Palantir and AWS to offer its AI to defense clients. Other major AI labs, including OpenAI, Meta, Google, and Cohere, are also pursuing defense contracts and developing AI for classified environments.

This appointment comes as Anthropic expands its leadership team. In May, the company welcomed Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings to its board.