Microsoft President Brad Smith disclosed that the tech giant’s prominent deal with UAE-backed AI firm G42 might entail the transfer of advanced chips and tools, a move cautioned by a senior Republican Congressman for potential national security implications.
In an interview with Reuters this week, Smith revealed that the sales agreement, with many details reported for the first time, could advance to a second phase involving the export of vital components of AI technology, such as model weights—a key determinant of their potency. Smith emphasized that there is no definitive timeline for this second phase.
US officials have expressed worries that AI systems might pose national security threats, potentially aiding in the development of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. In October, the Biden administration required the creators of the largest AI systems to share their details with the US government.
To move forward, the deal would require the approval of the US department of Commerce. Microsoft executives said the agreement has safeguards to protect Microsoft’s technology and prevent it being used by Chinese entities to train AI systems.
