Washington: OpenAI is exploring the possibility of a contract with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to provide artificial intelligence tools for its systems, according to a source familiar with the discussions. The talks are still at an early stage and no final agreement has been announced.
The proposed arrangement would involve using OpenAI technology on NATO’s unclassified networks. These systems are commonly used for communication, planning and information analysis among the alliance’s member countries. The discussions do not currently involve the use of AI on highly sensitive classified networks.
The development comes after OpenAI recently reached an agreement with the United States Department of Defense to provide artificial intelligence tools for certain government operations. That deal marked a major step in the company’s growing cooperation with government and defense institutions.
Earlier reports suggested that OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman mentioned the possibility of wider use of the technology across NATO networks. However, a company spokesperson later clarified that the current discussions are limited to unclassified systems.
NATO has not publicly commented on the reported talks. The military alliance includes 32 member countries across North America and Europe and has been increasing its interest in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve cooperation and security planning.
OpenAI has said that its technology will be used under strict rules. The company has stated that it does not allow its systems to be used for domestic mass surveillance or for fully autonomous weapons that operate without human control.
The possible NATO partnership reflects a wider trend in which governments and military organizations are exploring artificial intelligence for data analysis, logistics and cybersecurity. At the same time, the growing involvement of technology companies in defense work has raised questions about ethics and the responsible use of AI in global security.