US Unveils New Export Rules on Advanced Computing Chips for AI
Efforts to Facilitate Sales to Allied Nations and Curb Access to China
The United States has introduced new export rules on advanced computing chips used for artificial intelligence, aiming to facilitate sales to allied nations and further restrict access to countries like China. The restrictions, which also cover rules on weights for closed AI models, build on curbs announced in 2023 on exporting certain AI chips to China, which the United States views as a strategic competitor in the field of advanced semiconductors.
US Leads the Way in AI Development and Design
"The US leads the world in AI now — both AI development and AI chip design — and it’s critical that we keep it that way," said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. The new rules update controls on chips, requiring authorizations for exports, re-exports, and in-country transfers, while also including a series of exceptions for countries considered friendly to the United States.
Enhanced Security Parameters for AI Data Centers
AI data centers will need to comply with enhanced security parameters in order to be able to import chips. The rules make it "hard for our strategic competitors to use smuggling and remote access to evade our export control," said White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, while creating "incentives for our friends and partners around the world to use trusted vendors for advanced AI."
Rules to Take Effect in 120 Days
The new rules will go into effect in 120 days, giving the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump time to potentially make changes. However, his backers in Silicon Valley could also see the rules as an undue burden on their ability to export products.
Background on Previous Restrictions on AI Chip Exports
In 2023, the United States announced curbs on exporting certain AI chips to China, which has been a significant market for US chipmakers. The move demonstrated the increasing importance of AI in the global semiconductor industry, and the need for the United States to take a more active role in shaping the global AI landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the new export rules on advanced computing chips for AI?
The new rules restrict the export of advanced computing chips used for artificial intelligence, with a focus on sales to allied nations and restrictions on access to countries like China. - Why are the new rules necessary?
The United States aims to maintain its leadership in AI development and design, while also limiting the spread of advanced AI technology to countries that may use it for malicious purposes. - How will the new rules affect AI data centers?
AI data centers will need to comply with enhanced security parameters in order to import chips. - When will the new rules take effect?
The new rules will go into effect in 120 days, giving the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump time to potentially make changes.