President Joe Biden also recently proposed a framework for new AI chip export controls. In reply, Anthropic proposed serious amendments to make the new guidelines more effective and aligned with our national security goals. In January, they released that framework to ensure the United States remains the world leader in artificial intelligence technology. It classifies each country into one of three tiers, with increasing levels of travel and entry restrictions.
We urge the administration to take the following steps to strengthen export controls on domestically manufactured AI chips as the primary focus of this proposal. Through this tiered approach, the framework seeks to deepen the breadth of restrictions according to the shifting geopolitical climate. Tier 3 consists of countries such as Russia and China, which already are subject to severe export controls. Under the new framework, these countries will be under even stricter limits.
Tier 2 countries, like Mexico and Portugal, would have export restrictions imposed on them for the first time. These countries would be restricted in the total amount of chips they are able to acquire without further investigation. In a recent congressional hearing, Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, vehemently defended these export restrictions. He calls for a balanced approach that reaffirms America’s commitment to national security while encouraging cooperation abroad.
This past March, Amodei wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal explaining his rationale. In it, he laid out the somewhat heated justification for urgently needed, robust chip export controls. He stated, “Trump can keep America’s AI advantage: China, chips, data,” highlighting the necessity of safeguarding U.S. technological advancements from foreign threats.
For example, Anthropic has suggested reducing the threshold number of chips Tier 2 countries can buy without review. The company encourages these nations to pursue government-to-government agreements to facilitate their access to AI chips while adhering to the new regulations.
Tier 1 countries, such as Japan and South Korea, will benefit from unlimited exports under the proposed Tiered Framework. They won’t have any cent per cent limitations! This increased tiered approach is designed to inspire incredible collaboration among our allies while reducing the damaging risks posed by hostile nations.
Though Anthropic is obviously in favor of these measures, other industry players have expressed alarm. In a public statement accompanying their Q3 earnings release, Nvidia characterized the proposed restrictions as “unprecedented and misguided.” The company cautioned that these restrictions would “derail” global innovation. In their statements, they emphasized the need to ensure security without stifling technological development.
