Getty ImagesThe United States is moving to impose tough new restrictions on the export of advanced computer chips and other artificial intelligence (AI) technology to dozens of countries — not just a handful of countries it has long identified as adversaries. .
Officials say the new rules aim to ensure “the world’s AI runs on American rails” and keep it out of the hands of “malicious actors” who could use it to threaten the United States. can do
The Biden administration said 18 allies and partners, including Britain, are exempt from the sanctions.
The announcement, just days before President Joe Biden leaves office, has drawn sharp criticism from some top US tech companies who have warned it will only help rivals.
“In the wrong hands, powerful AI systems have the potential to exacerbate significant national security threats, including the development of weapons of mass destruction, support for powerful offensive cyber operations, and aiding human rights abuses, e.g. Massive oversight,” the US Commerce Department said Monday.
Chip maker Nvidia – one of the companies whose business would be most affected by the plan – said it would not “reduce any risk” if implemented, but only “advance America’s global competitiveness.” will undermine” and undermine its innovation.
“By attempting to rig market outcomes and stifle competition — the lifeblood of innovation — the Biden administration’s new rule threatens to erode America’s hard-won technological advantage,” the company said.
The new restrictions face a 120-day comment period before they take effect.
Exports to countries such as China, Russia and Iran already face strict controls.
The new laws limit exports of certain technologies to most countries around the world and require US companies to obtain permission to sell there.
Washington’s closest allies would be exempt from this limit.
Orders under a certain level of computing power will also not require a license and will not count toward caps under the plan. The Biden administration said most orders, such as those from universities or medical organizations, fall under that limit of 1,700 advanced GPUs.
The regulations also outline the process for foreign governments to sign treaties, in exchange for looser restrictions.
Biden administration officials said they have discussed the regulations with the incoming administration.
But Jonathan Cavalli, co-head of the tech group at the Clifford Chance law firm, said he doesn’t think the rules will stick after Trump takes office, noting that AI regulation was one of Trump’s key campaign promises. The government’s approach was to change.
“It’s absolutely certain that the Trump administration will take back what Biden has put forward,” he said. “There’s going to be a big game for innovation and growth in the U.S. and AI is a disruption from a regulation perspective.”
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a tech policy think tank, said it believes the U.S. is “containment.” would be better served by a competition-focused strategy instead.
“By pressuring other nations to choose between the United States and China, the administration risks alienating key partners and inadvertently strengthening China’s position in the global AI ecosystem,” said Vice President Daniel Castro. ”
“Faced with such an ultimatum, many countries have sought uninterrupted access to AI technologies essential to their economic growth and digital future. can offer”.