Anthropic Proposes Key Adjustments to US AI Chip Export Controls for Enhanced Innovation

In a significant move for the AI industry, Anthropic has aligned with the U.S. government regarding the implementation of strict export controls on domestically produced AI chips. This collaboration aims to strengthen the U.S. position in the global AI competition, particularly against China. However, the company has proposed a few modifications to the existing restrictions.

Support for Export Controls on AI Chips

On Wednesday, Anthropic published a blog post expressing its strong support for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s “Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion.” This framework is set to take effect on May 15, ahead of the interim rule’s implementation.

Overview of the AI Export Framework

Originally proposed by former President Joe Biden in January, the framework aims to enhance AI chip export controls for national security and to maintain U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. The proposal categorizes countries into three tiers, each with distinct guidelines and restrictions:

• Tier 3: The most restrictive tier, including nations like Russia and China, will face additional limitations due to existing export controls.
• Tier 2: Countries such as Mexico and Portugal will encounter export restrictions for the first time, with a cap on chip purchases.
• Tier 1: Countries like Japan and South Korea will continue to have no export restrictions.

Industry Reactions to Export Restrictions

When these restrictions were initially announced, semiconductor giant Nvidia described them as “unprecedented and misguided,” warning that they could hinder global innovation. In contrast, U.S.-based AI firms like Anthropic have voiced their support for these regulations.

Proposed Adjustments by Anthropic

While Anthropic supports the overall framework, the company has recommended adjustments. They propose:

• Reducing the number of AI chips that Tier 2 countries can purchase without review.
• Encouraging government-to-government agreements for chip purchases to enhance U.S. oversight and prevent smuggling.

Call for Increased Funding

Anthropic also advocates for increased government funding to ensure the effective enforcement of these export controls. This stance is consistent with the views of Anthropic’s CEO, Dario Amodei, who has publicly supported export restrictions. In a recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Amodei emphasized the necessity for stronger chip export controls.

For further details, TechCrunch has reached out to Anthropic for additional comments on this evolving situation.