📣 U.S. Weighs Restricting AI Chip Exports to Some Countries

posted  15 Oct 2024
The U.S. government is considering imposing limits or even a full ban on the sale of Nvidia, AMD, and other U.S.-produced AI chips to certain regions, particularly the Gulf states (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, among others).

According to Bloomberg insiders, these countries could soon face export license restrictions as the U.S. looks to maintain its leadership in AI by limiting the development of this technology in select nations.

While the discussions are still in the early stages and there is no guarantee that these measures will be enacted, the fact that the agency’s Bureau of Industry and Security and representatives from Nvidia and AMD declined to comment has only fueled speculation that such restrictions are being seriously considered in Washington.

Previously, the U.S. and the UAE released a joint statement about AI, recognizing the immense potential of the technology while also addressing the challenges and risks it poses.
Joint U.S.-UAE AI Cooperation Statement. Source: whitehouse.gov

Joint U.S.-UAE AI Cooperation Statement. Source: whitehouse.gov

These restrictions may also be part of the larger tech rivalry with China. The Biden administration has already imposed AI chip export restrictions on over 40 countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, aiming to prevent the technology from reaching Chinese competitors.

The UAE might be next.