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Tougher US AI chip-export rules concern EU

The European Commission has expressed concern about US measures announced yesterday (13 January) that restrict access to advanced AI technology for some EU member states.

The White House said that the rules were aimed at enhancing US security and economic strength.

“In the wrong hands, powerful AI systems have the potential to exacerbate significant national security risks – including by enabling the development of weapons of mass destruction, supporting powerful offensive cyber operations, and aiding human-rights abuses, such as mass surveillance,” the White House said.

‘Key allies’

No restrictions on the export of chips used for AI systems will apply to 18 “key allies and partners”. This list includes Ireland and nine other EU member states. Britain, Japan and Australia are also free from restrictions.

There are also exemptions for smaller chip orders, such as those placed by universities, medical institutions, and research organisations.

The rules, however, include actions against “countries of concern”, aimed at “constraining them from accessing advanced AI systems and the computing power used to train them”.

‘Opportunity, not risk’

In a statement, however, EU commissioners Henna Virkkunen and Maroš Šefčovič said that it was in the US’s economic and security interests that the EU bought advanced AI chips from the US without limitations.

“We co-operate closely, in particular in the field of security, and represent an economic opportunity for the US, not a security risk,” they stated.

The commissioners said that they had already shared their concerns with the Biden administration and looked forward to “engaging constructively” with the next US administration.