The Biden administration issued sweeping new rules on Monday governing the global spread of artificial intelligence, aiming to keep advanced technology out of China and ensure its development is led by the United States and its allies.
The rules create a three-tier system, exempting the US and allied countries from restrictions. Companies operating data centers outside these countries can apply for special government accreditations, allowing them to trade in AI chips more freely if they meet security standards.
However, this move has drawn criticism from tech companies and industry groups. Nvidia’s vice president called the rule “unprecedented and misguided,” threatening global competitiveness and innovation. Microsoft’s president said his company could comply with the rules but expressed concerns about the impact on international relations.
The regulations are part of a flurry of new actions by the Biden administration to counter China’s technological development. The move comes amid growing concerns that AI could enable new military capabilities, help countries surveil dissidents, and upend global power balances.
The US has also set new limits on chip-making equipment exports to China and added new Chinese companies to a military blacklist. These actions are part of a broader push to close loopholes and cement the administration’s legacy on countering China’s rise.
Industry groups have expressed deep disappointment with the rapid pace of these regulations, citing high stakes and timing issues. However, experts argue that the rules create a framework for protecting US security interests while preserving international competition.
The regulations are the latest in a series of steps taken by the Biden administration to address growing concerns about China’s technological dominance. As AI continues to transform industries and global power dynamics, these moves aim to ensure the US remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving landscape.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/us/politics/biden-administration-rules-artificial-intelligence.html