xd1936 6 hours ago

Hopefully this is the short-term move made only under duress so that they can file a lawsuit.

the article specifically says:

> The policy change is separate and unrelated to Anthropic’s discussions with the Pentagon, according to a source familiar with the matter.

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Lerc 5 hours ago | parent [-]

I'm not fond of this trend of stating a position and attributing it to "a source familiar with the situation"

It combines interpretation of meaning with ambiguity to allow the reporter to assert anything they want. The ambiguity is there to protect the identity of the source but it has to be a more discrete disclosure of information in return. If you can't check the person you can still check what they said.

I would be ok with direct quotes from an anonymous source. That removes the interpretation of meaning at least.

As it is written, it would not be inaccurate to say this if their source was the lesswrong post, or even an earlier thread here on HN.

Phrasing "A source with direct knowledge of the situation" might remove some of the leeway for editorialising, but without sharing what the source actually said, it opens the door to saying anything at all and declaring "That's what I thought they meant" when challenged.

It's unfalsifyible journalism.

	▲	xd1936 5 hours ago \| parent [-]
		I really like how The Verge discusses this. https://www.theverge.com/press-room/22772113/the-verge-on-ba... On their podcast, they frequently bring up how tech company PR teams try to move as much conversation with journalists as possible into "on background", uncited, generic sourcing.

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cess11 6 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

It's not like the regime they operate under care much about the courts. Legally they're also obliged to let the state into pretty much every crevice in their operations.

	▲	thewebguyd 3 hours ago \| parent [-]
		No, they aren't. No company has to cave to government pressure to do (or not do) something until there is a legitimate court order. Our companies are just spineless bootlickers and have been capitulating voluntarily and enthusiastically.

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johnbellone 5 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

You forgot the '/s'.