Google, Pentagon discuss classified AI deal, the Information reports


FILE PHOTO: Google's logo during the CERAWeek energy conference 2026 in Houston, Texas, U.S., March 24, 2026. REUTERS/Danielle Villasana/File Photo

April 16 (Reuters) - Alphabet's ⁠Google is negotiating an agreement with the ⁠Department of Defense that would allow the Pentagon ‌to deploy its Gemini AI models in classified settings, the Information reported on Thursday, citing two people with direct knowledge ​of the discussions.

The two parties are ⁠discussing an agreement ⁠that would allow the Pentagon to use Google's AI ⁠for ‌all lawful uses, according to the report.

During the negotiations, Google has proposed additional language ⁠in its contract with the department to ​prevent its ‌AI from being used for domestic mass surveillance ⁠or autonomous ​weapons without appropriate human control, the Information reported.

The Pentagon will continue to deploy frontier AI capabilities through ⁠strong industry partnerships across all classification ​levels, a Pentagon official said, without confirming any talks with Google.

Alphabet did not immediately respond to a Reuters ⁠request for comment.

A deal with the Pentagon will help Alphabet expand its government ties, while the U.S. aggressively embeds artificial intelligence into its processes to ​reduce costs and speed up ⁠administrative work.

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the ​department to rename itself the Department ‌of War, a change that ​will require action by Congress.

(Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)

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