Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming global security and economic landscapes. To maintain leadership and prevent adversarial misuse, the Biden-Harris Administration has introduced an Interim Final Rule on Artificial Intelligence Diffusion. This move strengthens U.S. AI security and economic strength by reinforcing export controls and fostering international cooperation.
New AI Export Regulations Enhance U.S. AI Security and Economic Strength
The new rule ensures that U.S. AI security and economic strength remains a priority. It prevents adversaries from exploiting advanced AI, that also enables trusted partners to benefit from American innovation. It builds on previous chip control measures to address loopholes and enhance AI security standards.
Key Mechanisms for Strengthening U.S. AI Security and Economic Strength
The rule includes six strategic mechanisms designed to balance security with innovation:
1. No Restrictions for Key Allies and Partners
Eighteen trusted allies can freely purchase advanced AI chips, ensuring seamless technology integration with jurisdictions aligned with U.S. AI security and economic strength.
2. Streamlined Licensing for Small Chip Orders
Chip orders with computation power up to approximately 1,700 advanced GPUs do not require licenses. This change expedites technology access for universities, medical institutions, and research organizations.
3. Universal Verified End User (UVEU) Status
Entities from close allies meeting stringent security standards can obtain UVEU status, enabling them to distribute U.S. AI technology globally while keeping frontier training within the U.S.
4. National Verified End User (NVEU) Status
Organizations outside key allies but meeting security criteria can secure NVEU status. This status allows them to purchase up to 320,000 advanced GPUs over two years, which also helps in mitigating diversion risks.
5. Controlled Access for Non-VEU Entities
Entities without VEU status can still acquire up to 50,000 GPUs per country. This ensures that healthcare, telecommunications, and other industries continue benefiting from AI advancements, that will also supports U.S. AI security and economic strength.
6. Government-to-Government AI Partnerships
Nations signing security agreements with the U.S. can double their AI chip access, fostering a global AI ecosystem aligned with shared values and policies, strengthening U.S. AI security and economic strength.
Restricting Adversarial AI Access to Protect U.S. AI Security and Economic Strength
To curb AI misuse by adversarial nations, the rule also includes:
- Preventing advanced semiconductor use in unauthorized AI training.
- Restricting the transfer of model weights for closed-weight AI systems.
- Implementing security standards for AI model weight storage to prevent illicit access.
Reinforcing U.S. AI Security and Economic Strength in Global Leadership
This rule builds on previous regulations. It includes the October 2022 and October 2023 chip controls. This follows extensive engagements with Congress, industry experts, and international partners.
By implementing these measures, the Biden-Harris Administration ensures that U.S. AI security and economic strength remain paramount in an era of rapid technological advancement.
Read more on AI rules and regulations here.
