US mulls curbing artificial intelligence exports for safety

WASHINGTON: The administration of US President Donald Trump is exploring curbing exports of sensitive technologies including artificial intelligence for national security reasons, according to a proposal this week.

The proposal to control sales of certain technologies “essential to the national security of the United States” comes amid growing trade friction with Beijing – and fears that China may overtake the US in some areas such as artificial intelligence.

The Commerce Department said in the proposed rules, published Monday, that it would consider curbs on various AI technologies such as neural networks and deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing and audio and video manipulation.

Artificial intelligence is a key element of many computer products made by US tech firms including smartphones, connected speakers and self-driving cars. AI can also have applications for military purposes.

The proposed rules also said export curbs would be examined for microprocessor technology, quantum computing, robotics and other sectors.

The US is examining controls for “specific emerging technologies” that would avoid “negatively impacting US leadership in the science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing sector,” said the federal register notice.

But banning AI exports could be counterproductive to US goals, said Daniel Castro, vice president of the Information Technology and Inno_ vation Foundation, a Washington think tank.

“If the US government bans the export of AI technology, other countries will likely enact reciprocal policies,” Castro said.

“It will mean US companies are locked out of certain markets, allowing firms in other countries to compete unchallenged.”

Castro said a ban also would “prevent the type of international research collaboration needed in an emerging technology such as AI,” including with China.