The US House Foreign Affairs Committee overwhelmingly passed a bill on Wednesday aimed at making it easier for the Biden administration to restrict the export of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, in order to eliminate concerns over China’s potential use of these systems to enhance its military capabilities.
According to Reuters, the bill was introduced by Republican members of the House Michael McCaul and John Molenaar, as well as Democrats Raja Krishnamoorthi and Susan Wild. The bill also explicitly grants the Department of Commerce the authority to prohibit Americans from collaborating with foreigners in the development of AI systems that pose a risk to US national security.
Chairman McCaul warned on Wednesday that without this legislation, “our top AI companies could inadvertently advance Chinese technology development, boosting their military and nefarious ambitions.”
McCaul added, “As the (Chinese Communist Party) seeks to expand its technological advances to enhance its surveillance state and war machine, we must protect our sensitive technology from falling into their hands, which is crucial.”
The bill is the latest sign of Washington’s preparation to counter China’s AI ambitions, as concerns rise that Beijing could use the technology to interfere in other countries’ elections, develop bioweapons, or launch cyber attacks.
US lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, called on Congress last week to approve $32 billion in funding for AI research to keep America ahead of China in this powerful technology.
Reuters reported earlier this month that President Biden’s administration is preparing to open a new frontier in efforts to protect American AI from Chinese and Russian interference, with initial plans to establish barriers around the most advanced AI models.
US officials expressed concerns over China’s “abuse” of AI during the first formal bilateral talks held in Geneva last week.
The bill passed with 43 votes in favor and only 3 votes against. Before being signed into law by President Biden, it still needs approval from all House members and the Senate.
At present, there is no complementary bill in the Senate. However, efforts to contain China have become a bipartisan consensus in recent years.