Microsoft has urged Donald Trump’s team to ease export restrictions on AI chips within the end of the previous administration, saying the measures should not be extended to U.S. allies.
The tech giant said in a blog post published Thursday that the rules limit restrictions on allies, including India, Switzerland and Israel, and limit the ability of U.S. tech companies to build and expand AI data centers in these countries.
The U.S. restriction on the export of advanced AI chips by Beijing leaders has hurt U.S. chipmakers and Big Tech’s ability to provide one of the largest markets for semiconductors, which has accelerated the global race to fight for the advantages of AI infrastructure.
In the last few days of the Joe Biden administration, the U.S. government said it would further restrict AI chip and technology exports, allowing the world to divide the world to maintain the advanced computing power of the United States while finding more ways to block Chinese access.
Microsoft said such restrictions could lead to China winning AI competitions.
“Biden’s rules remain unchanged will bring strategic advantages to China, and over time, its own AI technology dissemination echoes the rapid rise of 5G telecommunications a decade ago,” the company said.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the magazine first reported on Microsoft’s proposal earlier Thursday, with Trump administration officials weighing the steps to strengthen restrictions while simplifying export control rules.
