Getty ImagesThe United States is moving to impose tough new restrictions on exports of advanced computer chips and other artificial intelligence (AI) technology to dozens of countries, not just the handful it has long labeled as adversaries. .
Officials say the new rules will ensure that “the world’s AI runs on American rails” and leave it in the hands of “malicious actors” who could use it to threaten the United States. He said that the aim is to ensure that the
The Biden administration said 18 allies and partner countries, including the United Kingdom, are exempt from the restrictions.
The announcement, made just days before President Joe Biden leaves office, has drawn fierce criticism from some of America’s top tech companies, who warn it will only help their competitors.
The U.S. says that “in the wrong hands, powerful AI systems could enable the development of weapons of mass destruction, support powerful offensive cyber operations, support human rights abuses such as mass surveillance, and more. “This could exacerbate significant national security risks.” The Department of Commerce announced this on Monday.
Semiconductor maker Nvidia, one of the companies whose business would be most affected by the plan, said that if the plan goes into effect, it would not “mitigate any threat” and would “reduce U.S. global competitiveness.” He said it would only undermine innovation.
“The Biden administration’s new rules threaten to squander America’s hard-won technological advantages by attempting to rig market outcomes and stifle the competition that is the lifeblood of innovation,” the company said in a statement. ” he said.
The new restrictions have a 120-day comment period before they take effect.
Exports to countries such as China, Russia and Iran already face strict regulations.
The new rules cap exports of certain technologies to most countries around the world and require U.S. companies to obtain a license to sell in the country.
Washington’s closest allies would be exempt from the restrictions.
Orders below a certain level of computing power do not require a license and do not count toward plan limits. The Biden administration says most orders from universities, medical institutions and others fall under the 1,700 advanced GPU standard.
The rules also outline a process for foreign governments to sign agreements in exchange for easing restrictions.
Biden administration officials said they had discussed regulations with the incoming administration.
But Jonathan Kewley, co-head of Clifford Chance’s technology group, points out that one of President Trump’s key campaign promises is to change the government’s approach to AI regulation. He later said he didn’t think the rule would last.
“It’s absolutely certain that the Trump administration will roll back a lot of what Mr. Biden has put forth,” he said. “There will be major challenges for innovation and growth in the U.S., but there will also be downsides to the approach to AI regulation.”
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a high-tech policy think tank, said it believes a strategy focused on competition rather than “containment” would be better policy for the United States.
Vice President Daniel Castro said, “By pressuring other countries to choose between the United States and China, the administration is alienating key partners and inadvertently strengthening China’s position in the global AI ecosystem.” There is a danger.”
“Faced with such an ultimatum, many countries may choose to provide uninterrupted access to AI technologies essential to economic growth and a digital future.”
