The Biden administration on Monday announced new export rules for advanced computer chips used in artificial intelligence, aimed at balancing national security and economic interests.
The framework restricts access to chips for some industry executives in about 120 countries, including Mexico, Portugal, Israel and Switzerland.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the need to maintain U.S. AI leadership. “As AI becomes more powerful, the risks to national security become even more serious,” Raimondo said. The framework is “designed not only to protect cutting-edge AI technology and keep it out of the hands of foreign adversaries, but also to enable widespread adoption and sharing of benefits with partner countries,” she said. I explained.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the framework is aimed at maintaining cutting-edge AI development within the United States and with close allies. However, industry groups such as the Information Technology Industry Council and the Semiconductor Industry Association have expressed concerns about potential supply chain disruptions and the negative impact on U.S. competitiveness. “The new rules will cause unintended and lasting damage to the U.S. economy and the global competitiveness of semiconductors and AI by ceding strategic markets to competitors,” said John Neufer, president and CEO of SIA. There is a risk of giving.”
One industry executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the regulation would affect chips used in video games and building data centers overseas, contradicting the government’s claims. The 120-day comment period means the incoming Trump administration could ultimately finalize the rules.
Officials said the urgency stems from the perceived six to 18-month advantage the United States has in AI over rivals such as China. Nvidia’s Ned Finkle criticized the framework, saying, “While masked as ‘anti-China’ measures, these rules do nothing to strengthen U.S. security.” said. “The new rules will govern technology around the world, including technology already widely used in mainstream gaming PCs and consumer hardware.”
No restrictions will be imposed on about 20 allies, including countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. In other countries, import limits for graphics processing equipment are limited to 50,000 units, which can be increased to 100,000 units through government agreements. Some educational institutions can apply for permission to purchase up to 320,000 units over two years, subject to limits on overall AI computing capacity abroad. The order, worth 1,700 units, would be exempt from licenses and caps, potentially benefiting universities and medical institutions.
Microsoft expressed confidence in complying with the new policy. “We are confident that we can fully comply with this rule’s high security standards and meet the technology needs of the countries and customers around the world who trust us,” Microsoft President Brad Smith said in a statement. .
