To that end, Anthropic has appointed former national security expert David Fontaine to serve on its long-term benefit trust. This foundation is all about putting people’s safety above profit. The software firm intelligence community and its development of U.S. national security market. At the same time, it is aggressively laying the groundwork for new revenue. Fontaine, a former president of the National Defense University, has a deep and impressive resume in foreign policy and security studies. He’s been a senior adviser to Senator John McCain and president of the Center for A New American Security.
In November, Anthropic struck a deal with defense contractor Palantir and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to jointly market AI technologies to defense customers. This development underlines the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the defense sector. It builds upon the deep connections to Amazon, one of its primary investors and the parent company of AWS. There is a new and growing interest in Penn’s defense contracts.
Desirable opportunities
Leading AI laboratories are already scrambling for the intensive training opportunities in this burgeoning area.
The long-term benefit trust at Anthropic holds a unique position with potential to accelerate new corporate governance models. It possesses the authority to elect members of Anthropic’s board of directors, ensuring that safety considerations are paramount in the company’s strategic decisions. Fontaine’s appointment is a testament to that commitment. He won’t have a financial interest in the company, allowing him to focus solely on governance and ethical concerns.
Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO at Anthropic, noted that Fontaine’s experience will be invaluable during this transformative time.
“Richard’s expertise comes at a critical time as advanced AI capabilities increasingly intersect with national security considerations,” – Dario Amodei
Fontaine was an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Previously, he built and led the security studies program at Georgetown University, which deepens his unique contribution to Anthropic. His understanding and vision will help steer the company forward. They’ll assist in applying the complexities of national security and the rapidly-changing field of AI.
Fontaine lives in Manhattan with his husband, a music therapist. He has developed important leadership skills from his time leading efforts at the Center for A New American Security, an influential Washington, D.C., think tank. This important role gives him a unique view on how technology and policy intersect.
As Anthropic completes its executive team, the company is committed to ensuring safety is hardwired into its governance structure. The long-term benefit trust aims to ensure that technological advancements serve the public good while maintaining a commitment to ethical principles.
