NSA Accesses Anthropic Model After Pentagon Blacklist

Table of Contents The National Security Agency has used Anthropic’s Mythos Preview despite a Pentagon supply chain risk designation. Axios cited multiple sources who confirmed the agency’s access to the model. The report shows internal differences across federal departments over Anthropic technology use. Axios reported that two sources confirmed NSA use of Mythos Preview. One source said the department expanded usage beyond limited internal testing. However, the Pentagon designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk in March. The designation restricted the company’s technology in military contracts after a policy dispute. The dispute centered on Anthropic’s refusal to loosen safeguards. The company declined to adjust controls linked to autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance systems. As a result, the Pentagon limited procurement pathways for Anthropic products. Still, Axios reported that the NSA accessed Mythos through existing channels. The report did not explain the technical route used for access. However, it confirmed that usage occurred after the risk designation. Axios stated that it remains unclear how the NSA deployed the model. Yet, other authorized organizations have used Mythos to scan systems for vulnerabilities. Anthropic limited Mythos Preview access to about 40 organizations. The company restricted access because of the model’s offensive cyber capabilities. Sources told Axios that the NSA relied on the model’s security testing features. They did not describe operational outcomes or contract values. The report did not state whether the NSA violated formal procurement rules. It also did not clarify if the usage involved classified systems. The White House has explored options to work with Anthropic despite the ongoing court dispute. Axios reported that discussions took place at senior levels. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei met White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. He also met Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss government usage. Axios reported that Amodei addressed Mythos access and broader security practices. The outlet cited a source familiar with the meeting. The meeting occurred while the court fight over the Pentagon designation continued. However, officials have not announced any policy change. The White House did not publicly outline next steps. Still, the talks showed active engagement with Anthropic leadership. Anthropic has defended its safeguards in previous statements. The company has said it maintains strict controls over high-risk applications. Pentagon officials have not rescinded the supply chain risk designation. Therefore, formal contract limits remain in place. Axios reported that agency-level adoption may differ from procurement policy. However, it did not provide internal compliance details.