The United States has announced a new set of regulations that will reshape the global landscape for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These regulations, aimed at maintaining U.S. dominance in AI, categorize the world into three tiers, with different rules for each. The regulations will take effect 120 days from publication and place restrictions on AI chip exports while maintaining unlimited access for America's closest allies.
The new rules permit about 18 countries, including Japan, Britain, South Korea, and the Netherlands, to operate largely exempt from the stringent conditions imposed. This allows major cloud service providers like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to seek global authorizations to build data centers in these nations. However, U.S.-headquartered providers will face limitations, with only 50% of their total AI computing power allowed outside the United States. Furthermore, no more than 25% can be deployed outside of Tier 1 countries, and a mere 7% in any single non-Tier 1 country.
Model weights, which are crucial in determining decision-making processes in machine learning, remain the most valuable elements of an AI model. To gain U.S. authorization, companies must adhere to strict security protocols and conditions. These measures are part of a broader strategy to cap a four-year effort by the Biden administration to curb China's access to advanced AI chips.
"The U.S. has to be prepared for rapid increases in AI's capability in the coming years, which could have transformative impact on the economy and on our national security," said Jake Sullivan.
The regulations will limit the number of AI chips exported to most countries worldwide. However, unlimited access is granted to America's closest allies. In contrast, exports to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea remain blocked, reinforcing existing sanctions under the new rules.
"The U.S. leads AI now – both AI development and AI chip design, and it's critical that we keep it that way," stated Gina Raimondo.
To obtain approval from the U.S., authorized companies must comply with stringent security requirements. This move aims to secure the nation’s position as a leader in AI technology globally. Major cloud service providers stand at the forefront of these changes, balancing between operational flexibility and compliance with regulatory restrictions.
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