The administration of outgoing US President Joe Biden has proposed a new framework for exports of advanced computer chips used in the development of artificial intelligence, raising national security concerns about artificial intelligence technology and raising concerns for producers and other countries. It is an attempt to balance economic interests.
But Monday’s proposed framework argues that the rules would limit access to existing chips used in video games and limit chips used in data centers and AI products in 120 countries. , which also raised concerns among chip industry executives. Access may be restricted in countries such as Mexico, Portugal, Israel and Switzerland.
In a call with reporters previewing the framework, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said it was “critical” to maintain U.S. leadership in the development of AI and AI-related computer chips. Rapidly evolving AI technology will enable computers to create novels, make breakthroughs in scientific research, automate driving, and facilitate a host of other changes that could reshape economies and warfare. You can.
“As AI becomes more powerful, the risks to national security become even more serious,” Raimondo said. The framework is “designed to protect cutting-edge AI technology and keep it out of the hands of foreign adversaries, while also enabling widespread adoption and sharing of benefits with partner nations.”
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the framework would allow the most cutting-edge aspects of AI to be developed within the United States and most closely, rather than being developed overseas, like in the battery and renewable energy fields. He stressed that it will be ensured that it is developed in cooperation with allies.
The Information Technology Industry Council, a high-tech trade group, wrote to Raimondo last week that the new rules, hastily introduced by the Democratic administration, could disrupt global supply chains and put U.S. companies at a disadvantage. I warned you. Another group, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), said on Monday that it was disappointed that the policy was “hurriedly announced” before the presidential transition. President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 20th.
“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.”
An industry executive familiar with the framework insisted on anonymity to discuss the framework, saying despite the government’s claims, the proposed restrictions would limit access to chips already used in video games. said. The executive said it would also limit companies’ ability to build data centers overseas.
“Control technology around the world”
The framework includes a 120-day comment period, so the incoming Republican administration could ultimately decide on rules for selling advanced computer chips overseas. This sets up a scenario in which President Trump must balance America’s economic interests with the need to protect the security of the country and its allies.
Officials said they felt the U.S. needed to act quickly to maintain its perceived six- to 18-month advantage in AI over rivals such as China. Earn chips and make even more profits.
Ned Finkle, vice president of external affairs for chipmaker Nvidia, said in a statement that the previous Trump administration helped lay the foundation for AI development and that the proposed framework must meet established national security goals. He said that this would have a negative impact on innovation.
“Though disguised as ‘anti-China’ measures, these rules do nothing to strengthen U.S. security,” he said. “The new rules will govern technology around the world, including technology already widely used in mainstream gaming PCs and consumer hardware.”
Under the framework, about 20 major allies and partners would face no restrictions on access to chips, while other countries would face restrictions on what chips they could import, according to a fact sheet provided by the White House. Become.
Unrestricted allies include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Users outside of these close allies can purchase up to 50,000 graphics processing units per country. There could also be an intergovernmental agreement that could raise the cap to 100,000 if renewable energy and technology security goals align with those of the United States.
Educational institutions in certain countries can also apply for legal status to purchase up to 320,000 advanced graphics processing units over two years. Still, there will be limits to how much AI computing power companies and other institutions can deploy overseas.
Additionally, an order for computer chips equivalent to 1,700 advanced graphics processing units does not require an import permit or count toward the national chip cap. The 1,700 graphics processing unit exception could help fill orders for universities and medical institutions rather than data centers.
The new rules will not hinder AI-driven data center expansion plans by major cloud computing providers such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, as trusted companies seeking large clusters of advanced AI chips will be exempt. It is expected.
In response to the proposed regulations, China’s Ministry of Commerce said that China will take necessary measures to protect its “legitimate rights and interests.”
