US unveils new rules on exporting AI chips, with Israel among nations that could have limited access
The United States unveils new export rules on advanced computing chips used for artificial intelligence, aiming to facilitate sales to allied nations and further curb access to countries like China.
The restrictions, which also include rules on weights for closed AI models, build on curbs announced in 2023 on exporting certain AI chips to China, which the United States sees as a strategic competitor in the field of advanced semiconductors.
But the framework raises concerns of chip industry executives who say the rules would limit access to existing chips used for video games and restrict in 120 countries the chips used for data centers and AI products.
Israel, Mexico, Portugal, Israel and Switzerland are among the nations that could have limited access.
However, according to CNN there are no new restrictions for countries including Australia, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo says on a call with reporters previewing the framework that it’s “critical” to preserve America’s leadership in AI and the development of AI-related computer chips. The fast-evolving AI technology enables computers to produce novels, make scientific research breakthroughs, automate driving and foster a range of other transformations that could reshape economies and warfare.
“As AI becomes more powerful, the risks to our national security become even more intense,” Raimondo says. The framework “is designed to safeguard the most advanced AI technology and ensure that it stays out of the hands of our foreign adversaries but also enabling the broad diffusion and sharing of the benefits with partner countries.”
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan stresses that the framework will ensure that the most cutting-edge aspects of AI will be developed within the United States and with its closest allies, instead of possibly getting offshored like the battery and renewable energy sectors.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.