Explainer: Why OpenAI Is Facing Backlash After Pentagon AI Deal and Claims of a ChatGPT Boycott

Introduction

Artificial intelligence company OpenAI is facing online criticism after reports that it agreed to allow the United States Department of Defense to use its AI models on a classified government network. The decision has triggered backlash from some users who believe advanced AI tools should not be used for military purposes. Following the announcement, a website tracking boycott pledges claimed that more than 1.5 million users left the AI chatbot ChatGPT within 48 hours. However, the company has not confirmed any significant drop in its user base. The controversy has also drawn attention to rival AI company Anthropic and its chatbot Claude, which some users say they are switching to after the Pentagon deal.

What Triggered the Backlash Against OpenAI?

The criticism began after reports that OpenAI signed an agreement allowing the United States Department of Defense to deploy its AI technology within secure and classified systems. The arrangement is believed to allow U.S. defense agencies to use advanced AI models for various applications, potentially including data analysis, cybersecurity, logistics planning, and intelligence support. However, the move sparked debate online, with critics arguing that AI companies should avoid partnerships that could contribute to military operations or warfare.

Claims That Millions of Users Left ChatGPT

A website monitoring boycott pledges reported that over 1.5 million users abandoned ChatGPT in less than two days after the Pentagon partnership became public.

The boycott campaign claims several issues pushed users to cancel subscriptions, including:

The Pentagon AI deal
Reports of cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
A reported $25 million political donation by Greg Brockman to MAGA Inc.

These claims circulated widely on social media and technology forums, fueling calls for users to shift to alternative AI platforms. However, OpenAI has not confirmed any mass departure of users, and there is currently no official data verifying the reported numbers.

Rise of Rival AI Chatbot Claude

The controversy has benefited Anthropic, a competing AI firm known for emphasizing “AI safety” in its products. According to reports, the company’s chatbot Claude climbed to the top of Apple’s App Store rankings, temporarily overtaking ChatGPT. Anthropic reportedly declined to give unrestricted access to its AI models to the U.S. government, a move that has attracted support from some users concerned about military uses of artificial intelligence. This contrast between the two companies has intensified the debate about how AI technology should be used by governments and defense agencies.

How Users Can Export Their ChatGPT Data

Some users considering leaving ChatGPT have looked for ways to download their data before switching platforms.

OpenAI allows users to export their data through a built-in process:

Open ChatGPT in a web browser.
Click the profile icon in the bottom-left corner.
Select Settings.
Go to Data Controls.
Click Export Data.

Once requested, the system sends a download link via email containing the user’s data. The process may take some time depending on the account size. Users also have the option to delete all chats, although OpenAI notes that data deletion can take up to 30 days and some information may be retained for legal or security purposes.

Moving ChatGPT Memories to Claude

Anthropic has also published instructions for users who want to transfer stored information from ChatGPT to its chatbot Claude. The company suggests prompting ChatGPT to list all stored memories and contextual information in a single code block so users can copy and paste it easily. After reviewing and editing the exported content, users can upload it into their Claude account settings to recreate similar personalized responses. This process allows users to preserve conversation context, preferences, and instructions when switching between AI platforms.

The Bigger Debate: Should AI Be Used in Military Systems?

The controversy highlights a broader global debate about the role of artificial intelligence in defense.

Governments increasingly see AI as a critical technology for:

Intelligence analysis
Cybersecurity
Military logistics
Strategic planning

At the same time, critics argue that integrating AI into military infrastructure raises concerns about ethical responsibility, surveillance, and potential weaponization of AI systems. Many AI companies are therefore facing pressure to clearly define how their technology can and cannot be used by governments.

Conclusion

The backlash against OpenAI shows how sensitive the issue of AI in military operations has become. While reports claim that more than 1.5 million users left ChatGPT after the Pentagon deal, the company has not confirmed any large-scale loss of users. At the same time, competitors such as Anthropic and its chatbot Claude appear to be gaining attention from users seeking alternatives.