AI weapons under scrutiny as activists plan weekend protest at Anduril’s Seattle office – GeekWire
A coalition of activists and civil society organizations plans to rally Sunday outside Anduril’s Seattle office, protesting the defense technology company’s development of military artificial intelligence systems and its growing presence in the region.
The demonstration, scheduled for 9:30 am at Anduril’s office in downtown Seattle, is being organized by groups including BAYAN Washington, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines and the International League of Peoples’ Struggle. Organizers say the event will highlight concerns about the use of AI in warfare, autonomous weapons systems and the expansion of defense technology companies in Washington state. They expect more than 50 to attend.
“This gathering will respond to the urgent developments in the proliferation of AI weapons companies in Washington State and will expose Anduril as an engine of US-led violent wars and a domestic threat to immigrant communities and workers,” the organizations said in a statement.
Anduril said he recognizes the right to protest, while defending its work supporting US troops and service members.
“We respect the right to free speech and understand that protests are a sign of democratic expression,” Anduril said in a statement provided to GeekWire. “That being said, it is strange when people choose to protest against a company that is dedicated to supporting the military that protects those rights.”
The company’s statement continued:
“At Anduril, we are proud of our role in helping the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect the freedoms we all enjoy, freedoms that include the right to stand outside and protest our existence. We will continue to honor those who serve our country, even when others disagree.”
The protest comes as Anduril expands its operations in the Seattle area, including a new offshore production and exploration project near Seattle’s historic Lake Washington Ship Canal. GeekWire reported earlier this year that the company has taken over the former Foss fleet, which is thought to be testing private ships for the US Navy.
Founded in 2017 by entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, Anduril has become one of the country’s leading defense technology companies, developing autonomous aircraft, maritime systems, surveillance technology and AI-enabled software platforms for military and national security customers.
The company’s Seattle expansion drew attention because of the region’s long history as a hub for aerospace, marine engineering, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. The new maritime center on the south shore of the Shipping Canal represents a new chapter for a site with deep roots in Seattle’s shipbuilding history.
In announcing the meeting, the organizers mentioned the company’s work in autonomous systems, including submarines and surface ships, and expressed concern about the role of artificial intelligence in world conflicts.
The groups also point to the ongoing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercise, a multinational military exercise held in and around Hawaii. The project runs until July 31 and includes the participation of many countries.
Anduril has further positioned itself as a technology company focused on developing defense capabilities, arguing that the rapid adoption of advanced software, automation and AI can improve the effectiveness and safety of military operations.
Sunday’s event is expected to include speeches, testimonies and cultural performances from participating civil society organizations.
The rally adds a new point of public debate about Anduril’s expansion in Seattle, as the company builds its presence in a region that is already home to major technology companies, aerospace firms and a growing defense innovation sector.
In addition to the new building at the Foss shipyard, Anduril operates facilities in downtown Seattle and Bellevue, where it expanded last summer by leasing 39,851 square feet of space in the Skyline Tower.
Anduril is also rapidly expanding its operations in California, where the company is headquartered. It also built a large facility south of Columbus, Ohio, where it calls Arsenal-1, which the company described as “the future of American defense production.”
In May, the company raised $5 billion in funding from Thrive Capital, Andreessen Horowitz and others at a $61 billion valuation.
