The United States is moving toward implementing new strict restrictions on the export of advanced computer chips and other artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to dozens of countries\u2014not just a few they have long considered adversaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials state that the new rules aim to ensure that “global artificial intelligence operates by American standards” and does not fall into the hands of “malicious actors” who could use it to pose a threat to the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Biden administration has said that 18 allies and partners, including the United Kingdom, will be exempt from the restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This statement, made just a few days before President Joe Biden is set to leave office, has drawn sharp criticism from some leading U.S. tech companies, who warn that it will only strengthen the positions of competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“In the wrong hands, powerful AI systems can significantly increase national security risks, including through the creation of weapons of mass destruction, supporting powerful offensive cyber operations, and promoting human rights violations like mass surveillance,” said the U.S. Department of Commerce on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chip maker Nvidia, one of the companies most affected by this plan, said that if implemented, it would not “mitigate any threat” but would “undermine America’s global competitiveness” and erode its innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“By attempting to distort market outcomes and suppress competition\u2014the key driver of innovation\u2014the Biden administration’s new rule risks dissipating America’s hard-earned technological edge,” the company said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new restrictions will undergo a 120-day comment period before taking effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exports to countries like China, Russia, and Iran are already under strict control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new rules set restrictions on the export of certain technologies to most countries globally and require U.S. companies to obtain permission to sell in these countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Washington’s closest allies will be exempt from the restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Orders with specific levels of computing power will also not require licenses and will not be subject to restrictions under the new rules. Most orders, such as those from universities or medical organizations, fall below the threshold of 1,700 advanced graphics processors, the Biden administration stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rules also include a process for making deals with foreign governments in exchange for lighter restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biden administration officials said they have discussed these rules with the incoming administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Jonathan Kulick, co-head of the tech group at law firm Clifford Chance, said he does not think these rules will remain in place after Trump takes office, noting that one of Trump\u2019s key campaign promises was to change the government’s approach to AI regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I am absolutely confident the Trump administration will roll back much of what Biden started,” he said. “There will be a major fight for innovation and growth in the U.S., as well as a lack of a unified approach to AI regulation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a tech policy think tank, said it believes the U.S. would be better off with a strategy focused on competition rather than “containment.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“By pressuring other countries 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Faced with such an ultimatum, many countries may choose the side that provides them uninterrupted access to AI technologies that are vital for their economic growth and digital future.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4711,"template":"","class_list":["post-4657","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n