tech
California gives all state agencies access to Claude at half price in Anthropic deal
California gives all state agencies access to Claude at half price, making Anthropic its first statewide AI partner despite a federal supply-chain risk label.
TL;DR
- California announced a deal with Anthropic to provide access to its AI tool, Claude, to all state agencies and local governments at half price.
- This partnership makes Claude the first AI productivity tool available statewide through the California Department of Technology’s shared services portal.
- Anthropic will also provide free workforce training and technical support to state employees.
- The deal formalizes the use of Claude, which some agencies like the DMV and Department of Health Care Services were already using.
- The agreement aligns with Governor Newsom's executive order requiring responsible AI policies for vendors seeking government contracts.
- The federal government had previously labeled Anthropic a supply-chain risk, a designation that did not impact California's negotiations.
- A federal judge later blocked the Pentagon's designation, ruling it was not for national security but to penalize Anthropic.
- The state's willingness to partner with Anthropic contrasts with the federal government's stance, indicating a gap in AI policy.
- For Anthropic, this deal represents a significant commercial win and a public-sector reference point for their enterprise strategy.
- Governor Newsom is positioning California as a leader in AI adoption with guardrails, contrasting with the previous administration's approach.