U. S. Tightens Rules on AI Chips, Keeps Allies in the Loop

The United States government recently announced new rules that limit the export of AI chips to certain countries and allow unlimited access to allies like Japan and the UK. The goal is to keep advanced computing power within the U. S. and its closest allies, while blocking access to countries like China, Russia, and North Korea. The regulations, released late in President Biden's administration, aim to maintain U. S. dominance in AI. Companies like Nvidia and AMD, which make AI chips, could see impacts. Major cloud providers like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon can seek global authorizations to build data centers without country quotas. However, they must follow strict conditions. The rules split the world into three tiers based on access levels. Some industry voices criticized the plan, arguing it could give an edge to Chinese competitors. Others noted AI's potential benefits and risks, including weapon development and human rights abuses. The rules take effect 120 days after publication, giving the incoming administration time to weigh in.