China considers export controls on AI, chips

China is considering export controls that could check the global spread of its AI models and chips, as Beijing increases oversight of its burgeoning tech sector.

The new rules “could shape the evolution of the Chinese AI ecosystem,” a former Biden administration adviser wrote, though questions remain over compliance and whether the rules would increase Beijing’s leverage without slowing the tech’s global adoption.

In contrast to the White House’s laissez-faire approach, conservative group Humans First is calling for export controls on US tech as part of an “America First AI Policy” platform shared first with Semafor.

The group’s prescriptions “could have more sway going forward if Republicans perform poorly in the midterms and AI anxiety is a factor,” Semafor’s Ashley Gold wrote.