The US administration is considering restricting the sale in certain countries of chips for using technologies for artificial intelligence (AI) produced by Nvidia, AMD and other American companies, reported ag. Bloomberg, citing its own sources.
According to them, the new approach may establish restrictions on the issuance of export licenses in relation to certain countries “in the interest of national security” of the USA. Sources at the agency noted that the current discussion of this issue by US authorities is focused on the countries of the Persian Gulf, in whose capitals there has recently been an “increase in interest in AI data centers” and there are sufficient funds to finance such projects.
Discussions about possible restrictions are at an early stage. The agency notes that their creation will tighten measures already introduced by the US aimed at limiting the development of AI in China. The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security declined to comment on the matter in response to an inquiry by the agency.
In 2023, the US Department of Commerce introduced restrictions on the export of chips, chip manufacturing equipment and advanced semiconductors to most Middle Eastern countries. The agency requires companies to obtain special licenses that allow the delivery of certain goods in the Middle East region. This decision was made due to US concerns about China allegedly being able to access the latest technology through third countries and use it for military purposes.
Exported chips are microprocessors designed to speed up AI systems. They are used to process large amounts of data and perform complex calculations. AI accelerators are produced by tech giants such as Nvidia, AMD and Intel. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are vying for regional leadership in AI to use the technology to overcome their economies' dependence on oil. Officials from both countries have previously said they see the US as a key partner in achieving their goals.