US lawmakers to introduce bill to restrict AI models more effectively

AI regulation in US: A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers introduced a bill late Wednesday aimed at boosting Biden ministration's ability to impose export controls on AI models, a move intended to safeguard vital US technology from potential misuse by foreign entities.

Spearheed by House Republicans Michael McCaul and John Molenaar, along with Democrats Raja Krishnamoorthi and Susan Wild, proposed legislation grants Commerce Department explicit authority to restrict Americans from collaborating with foreigners on development of AI systems deemed detrimental to national security.

bill seeks to fortify future AI export regulations against legal challenges amid concerns that versaries could exploit vanced AI models to launch cyberattacks or develop hazardous biological weapons.

Recent reports suggest that US is gearing up to enhance protections for its AI technology against China and Russia, including plans to impose export controls on proprietary AI models. However, current regulations pose significant hurdles for Commerce Department in overseeing export of open-source AI models, which are freely available for downlo.

If enacted, legislation would streamline regulation of open-source AI under International Emergency Economic Powers Act, empowering Commerce Department to oversee AI systems more effectively.

China's reliance on Western-developed open-source models, such as Meta Platforms' "Llama" series, underscores urgency of such measures. Chinese AI development has been significantly influenced by Meta's Llama models, prompting concerns among Chinese researchers and policymakers.

In a related development, Microsoft's recent investment of $1.5 billion in United Arab Emirates-based AI firm G42, facilitated by a security agreement between US and UAE governments, has raised eyebrows amidst escalating tensions between US and China over Gulf state relations.

proposed legislation and Microsoft's investment underscore complex landscape of international AI cooperation and imperative to safeguard US technological interests amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

(With Reuters inputs)