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 in Anthropic deal
https://thenextweb.com/news/anthropic-california-newsom-claude-half-price-government
Publish Date: 2026-06-29 14:31:52
Source Domain: thenextweb.com
California Partners with Anthropic to Promote AI Tool Usage
California has made a landmark deal with artificial intelligence company Anthropic, awarding all state agencies and local governments access to Anthropic’s AI tool, Claude. This agreement, officially announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, makes it the first AI productivity tool available statewide through the California Department of Technology’s shared services portal. Anthropic is also offering free workforce training and technical support. The statewide rollout is formalizing previous agency-level adoptions of the software. The deal comes in the context of Newsom’s executive order to develop new certification and procurement standards for AI vendors, pushing for responsible policies in bias and civil rights to prevent misuse. California’s decision to partner with Anthropic, despite the U.S. military labeling the company a supply-chain risk, highlights a significant divergence in AI policy between California and the federal government. This partnership also emphasizes Newsom’s broader push for California to be seen as a state adopting AI responsibly.
Key Points:
- California offers all state agencies access to Anthropic’s AI tool, Claude, at half price.
- Anthropic provides free training and technical support along with the statewide rollout of their software.
- This partnership stands out as the first major commercial agreement under Newsom’s AI procurement standards.
- California’s move contrasts with the federal government’s view, which labeled Anthropic as a supply-chain risk.
- The deal marks Anthropic’s significant commercial gain, positioning California as a leading state in promoting responsible AI use.
