The Biden administration’s final major policy move has had a significant impact on global AI, as it unveiled the most comprehensive AI chips export controls to date. This eleventh-hour decision, announced just days before the administration change, divides the world into AI computing haves and have-nots, with China squarely in the crosshairs of the most stringent restrictions imposed on artificial intelligence technology.

“Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming central to security and economic strength,” the White House fact sheet declares, framing the controls as a decisive action “to ensure that US technology undergirds global AI use and that adversaries cannot easily abuse advanced AI.”

The new AI chips export controls split the global technology landscape into three distinct tiers, fundamentally reshaping how nations can access and develop AI capabilities. Access to advanced AI processors remains unrestricted for 18 key allies, so-called tier-one nations, including Japan, Britain, and the Netherlands.

However, the administration has implemented strict AI chips export quotas for other nations, creating a new global AI development hierarchy. The 18 allies possess “robust technology protection regimes and technology ecosystems aligned with the national security and foreign policy interests of the US,” the policy document states.

Global AI Development Hierarchy Takes Shape

The new controls fundamentally reshape the global AI landscape, creating a new tier-one, tier-two, and tier-three system. Tier-one nations, including the 18 key allies, have unrestricted access to advanced AI processors. Tier-two nations, which include countries like Australia, Canada, and the European Union, will face strict export quotas and licensing requirements. Tier-three nations, which include China, India, and other emerging economies, will face the most stringent restrictions, including export bans and licensing requirements.

China in the Crosshairs

China, in particular, is squarely in the crosshairs of the most stringent restrictions imposed on artificial intelligence technology. The new controls are designed to prevent China from accessing advanced AI technology that could be used to develop its own AI capabilities, thereby reducing its dependence on US technology.

Implications for Global AI Development

The new AI chips export controls have significant implications for global AI development. The controls create a new tier-one, tier-two, and tier-three system, which will fundamentally reshape how nations can access and develop AI capabilities. The controls also create a new global AI development hierarchy, with tier-one nations possessing the most advanced AI technology and tier-three nations facing the most stringent restrictions.

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

Tags: ai, artificial intelligence