Data centers in Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia are among seven countries that will soon be restricted by the US from allowing Chinese AI firms to remotely access their advanced AI chips, The Information reports today quoting people familiar with the process.
The other three countries are Brazil, Norway and South Africa. The proposed US Commerce Department rules would require licences for exports of Nvidia Blackwell-class and more advanced chips to these destinations. The aim is to prevent Chinese AI firms from remotely accessing advanced AI chips through data centers in other countries as well as preventing chip smuggling into China.
The rule could be announced as soon as this month. It will expand existing semiconductor-related controls from the department’s Bureau of Industry and Security. The department is currently consulting with other government agencies on the long-awaited rule before finalizing it.
In recent days, the US government has been criticized for being too slow in implementing policies to restrict China’s access to advanced AI technologies. In the wake of Nvidia’s recent alleged spying scandal, the criticisms have grown louder. Nvidia has long opposed any restrictions on chip sales to China.