The U.S. is preparing new regulations that could designate tech giants like Google (GOOGL, Financial) and Microsoft (MSFT) as gatekeepers for global AI chip distribution. This move would allow them to provide AI capabilities in overseas cloud services without needing a license, provided they adhere to strict reporting requirements and prevent access by Chinese entities. The initiative is part of the Biden administration's strategy to balance AI chip exports and mitigate potential threats.
The draft regulations would allow non-gatekeeper companies to apply for permits to import a limited number of high-end AI chips from manufacturers like Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD (AMD). Nineteen allied countries would be exempt from restrictions, while countries under nuclear embargo, such as Russia and Iran, would remain prohibited from acquiring U.S. AI semiconductors.
The regulations are an extension of plans introduced in September, allowing certain international data centers to receive AI chips without a license, under stringent disclosure requirements.
