Biden administration officials have discussed limiting the sales of advanced AI chips from Nvidia and other U.S. companies, a move that would limit the AI capabilities of some countries, people familiar with the matter said. The people, who asked not to be named, said the new rules would cap export licenses from certain countries. Officials are focusing on Persian Gulf countries, which have growing demand for AI data centers and deep pockets to fund them, people familiar with the matter said.
The review is in its early stages and could still be subject to change, people familiar with the matter said, noting that the idea has gained traction in recent weeks. The policy will be based on a new framework that streamlines the authorization process for exporting AI chips to data centers in places such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Commerce Department officials unveiled the rules last month and said more are coming.