The core of the backlash stems from public perception. Users view this collaboration as a departure from OpenAI's stated mission, fearing their interactions are now "training a war machine." This sentiment quickly translated into action across online forums and social media.
A thread on the r/ChatGPT subreddit, urging users to quit the AI chatbot, became one of the forum's most highly-upvoted posts of all time. This online mobilization underscores the strong ethical stance many users hold regarding AI's application in warfare and surveillance.
This refusal, while potentially costly for Anthropic—as the Pentagon had threatened to declare it a "supply chain risk" and seize its tech—has resonated strongly with users. Anthropic's firm stance contrasted sharply with OpenAI's agreement, leading many to view Anthropic as upholding a more ethical position in the AI industry.
During the AMA, users pressed Altman on how OpenAI transitioned from a "tool for the betterment of the human race" to collaborating with what some referred to as the "Department of War." Altman maintained that OpenAI would refuse orders violating the constitution or seeking mass domestic surveillance, even if it meant imprisonment. However, his assertions that military personnel are "far more committed to the constitution than an average person off the streets" did little to assuage critics who cited past surveillance abuses.
Many ChatGPT users are canceling their subscriptions due to OpenAI's agreement with the Department of Defense to deploy AI models in classified networks, with users expressing ethical concerns about AI's role in military applications and fearing their interactions are now "training a war machine."
Claude, developed by Anthropic, has surged in popularity, reaching the number one spot on the App Store, as users seek alternatives to ChatGPT due to ethical concerns about OpenAI's collaboration with the Department of Defense.
Anthropic has refused to allow its Claude AI to be used for autonomous weaponry or mass surveillance of US citizens, with CEO Dario Amodei insisting on clear "red lines" against such applications, contrasting sharply with OpenAI's agreement with the Department of Defense.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged that the deal's "optics don't look good" and admitted it "was definitely rushed." He has engaged in discussions to address concerns, maintaining that OpenAI would refuse orders violating the constitution or seeking mass domestic surveillance.
OpenAI insists on restrictions similar to those sought by its competitor Anthropic, including refusing orders violating the constitution or seeking mass domestic surveillance, even if it meant imprisonment. However, the specific restrictions were not detailed in the article.
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