Controversial Appointment: Gavin Kliger as Chief Data Officer at The Pentagon

The Pentagon has appointed Gavin Kliger, a computer scientist involved with Elon Musk's government overhaul efforts, as its Chief Data Officer. His controversial social media activity includes support for white supremacists. The appointment follows a dispute with Anthropic over AI tools, leading to collaboration with OpenAI.

In a move sparking widespread discussion, the Pentagon has appointed a computer scientist linked to Silicon Valley magnate Elon Musk as its new Chief Data Officer. Gavin Kliger, known for his controversial online presence, steps into a pivotal role guiding the Department's most ambitious AI projects and strategies.

The announcement arrives amid an ongoing debate about the use and ethical boundaries of artificial intelligence within military contexts. Kliger has faced criticism for social media posts supporting figures with extremist views, raising questions about his suitability for this significant position.

This decision comes on the heels of a dispute with technology firm Anthropic, resulting in the Pentagon's pivot to collaborate with OpenAI. The military's use of AI remains a contentious topic, with Kliger now at the forefront of these crucial developments.

(With inputs from agencies.)