According to insiders, U.S. President Joe Biden plans to tighten export restrictions on artificial intelligence chips before leaving office. This measure mainly targets companies like Nvidia and AMD, aiming to prevent the outflow of advanced technology and control the spread of AI technology globally. The new regulations may be announced as early as this Friday and will impose strict three-tiered restrictions on chip trade.
Details of the Restrictions
According to the sources, the new regulations will adjust the scope and conditions of chip exports through tiered restrictions:
- Tier One: Allied Countries
A few close allies of the United States will continue to have almost unrestricted access to advanced U.S. chips, ensuring that friendly nations remain competitive in AI technology research and development. - Tier Two: Rival Countries
Countries that have competitive or adversarial relations with the U.S. will be completely banned from importing AI-related semiconductor products. This measure aims to weaken the AI research and development capabilities of potential rival countries. - Tier Three: Most Other Countries
The import of AI chips in most countries will face strict restrictions, based on a capped limit of their domestic total computing capacity. However, if these countries agree to comply with a set of U.S. safety and human rights standards, their restrictions may be eased. Companies meeting the standards will be designated as "Verified End Users (VEU)," allowing these entities to develop and deploy AI technologies within a global security framework.
Background and Purpose of the Policy
The U.S. government hopes to focus global AI R&D in trustworthy nations through the new regulations, while ensuring AI standards are led by the United States. Introduced amidst a surge in semiconductor demand, this policy aims not only to maintain national security but also to build a U.S.-led AI ecosystem.
Analysts suggest that this escalation of restrictions will expand U.S. control over the global chip market, covering more regions and further strengthening the U.S.’s leadership in semiconductor technology and artificial intelligence.
Official Response
A representative from the White House National Security Council declined to comment on this matter, and the Bureau of Industry and Security, responsible for chip export controls, has also not commented.
Potential Impact
This measure is expected to have profound effects on global semiconductor trade and the dissemination of AI technology. On the one hand, U.S. allies might benefit, gaining more technological resources; on the other hand, AI technological development in many countries might be hindered.
As the announcement date for the new regulations approaches, markets and related companies are closely monitoring changes in U.S. policy and their potential impacts. In the future, the spread of artificial intelligence technology will increasingly rely on security standards and political frameworks set by the U.S.
