Nvidia criticized the Biden administration’s new effort to tighten regulations on global artificial intelligence chip exports, arguing that the move could harm U.S. leadership in the AI sector.
“Today, companies, startups and universities around the world are tapping mainstream AI to advance healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, education and countless other fields, driving economic growth and unlocking the potential of nations. Built on American technology, the adoption of AI around the world fuels growth and opportunity for industries at home and abroad. That global progress is now in jeopardy. The Biden Administration now seeks to restrict access to mainstream computing applications with its unprecedented and misguided “AI Diffusion” rule, which threatens to derail innovation and economic growth worldwide,” said Nvidia Vice President of Government Affairs Ned Finkle.
Nvidia criticizes Biden’s AI chip export regulations
The U.S. Commerce Department’s plan aims to control AI chip flows to prevent malicious actors, particularly regarding concerns that AI technology could enhance China’s military capabilities. Finkle indicated that the regulations would impose bureaucratic control over how U.S. semiconductors, computers, systems, and software are designed and marketed globally, ultimately jeopardizing America’s status as a leader in AI.
Nvidia emphasized that the new rule would unlikely improve national security and instead regulate technology that is already widely available in consumer products, such as gaming hardware. “Rather than mitigate any threat, the new Biden rules would only weaken America’s global competitiveness, undermining the innovation that has kept the U.S. ahead,” Finkle asserted.
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Nvidia highlighted that American dominance in computing and software has been vital for national strength and influence. Historically, the federal government has refrained from dictating terms for the design, marketing, and sale of mainstream technology—a key component of innovation and economic growth.
The company noted that the first Trump administration established a foundation for U.S. strength in AI, enabling American industries to compete on merit without compromising national security. The widespread adoption of mainstream AI has driven growth across multiple sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing, while bolstering U.S. interests globally.
The anticipated “AI Diffusion” rule, characterized by Nvidia as unprecedented and misguided, is said to threaten these advancements. The regulation, described as a 200+ page document drafted without proper legislative review, is seen as an attempt to impose excessive control over the design and marketing of key technologies.
Furthermore, Nvidia criticized the rule’s alleged disguise as an “anti-China” measure, arguing it would not enhance U.S. security and would regulate technologies already prevalent in the market. The proposed changes could weaken the competitive edge that the U.S. has developed through innovation and technology sharing.
“Although the rule is not enforceable for 120 days, it is already undercutting U.S. interests. As the First Trump Administration demonstrated, America wins through innovation, competition and by sharing our technologies with the world — not by retreating behind a wall of government overreach. We look forward to a return to policies that strengthen American leadership, bolster our economy and preserve our competitive edge in AI and beyond,” Finkle added.
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