Fearless journalism is more important than ever. When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today? Can tech bros save the Pentagon? The messy tale of Rebellion Defense. Rebellion Defense set out to disrupt the way the Pentagon handles new technologies. Three and a half years later, Rebellion is falling short.
Founded in , Rebellion wants to create AI-powered software for the military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement. The startup has claimed its tools could sort through heaps of sensitive data to help officials make decisions, and that it will ultimately build software capable of making battlefield decisions. Rebellion has also won several million dollars of military contracts from the Pentagon, the start of what some observers think will be a gusher of government dollars.
Now some industry experts say Rebellion has failed to meet its own mission, and some former employees allege the company has been stymied by problematic internal politics. Think Skynet in the Terminator films. Recode spoke with seven former Rebellion employees who, speaking on the condition of anonymity, alleged that the company is mired in dysfunction, due to a toxic workplace. Spokesperson S. Rebellion is just one startup in a new generation of billion-dollar companies focused on selling to the military.
In the coming years, AI may be capable of making decisions on whom to target abroad or eventually in the US. Are you a current or former employee at a military tech company with thoughts or tips on this topic?
Please email Jonathan Guyer at jonathan. His phone number and Signal number are available upon request by email. The Silicon Valley mindset has led to breakthroughs in apps and smartphones.
