Republican lawmakers are demanding information from the Biden administration about Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based artificial intelligence company G42, highlighting concerns about the possible transfer of U.S.-originated technology to entities with close ties to China.
Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and John Moulenaar, chairman of the Select Committee on China, expressed their concerns in a letter to White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. They stressed the urgency of holding a briefing before the investment agreement can move to Phase 2.
“We remain deeply concerned by attempts to rush through this partnership, involving an unprecedented transfer of highly sensitive U.S.-origin technology, without consultation with Congress or clearly defined regulations,” the lawmakers said in their July 10 letter.
The U.S. government is considering new export controls on various components of AI technology due to concerns that the technology could fall into the hands of foreign adversaries. Officials have stressed that artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize military and intelligence capabilities, spurring a global race to rapidly develop this disruptive technology.
Read more: Microsoft signs multi-million euro deal to settle CISPE antitrust lawsuit
Experts note that the UAE and China maintain close cooperation in a number of scientific research fields, raising concerns about the impact of the Microsoft-G42 deal.
“Given (China’s) relationship with G42 and (China’s) continuing interest in the UAE, we request that before this partnership moves further, the National Intelligence Council prepare a formal intelligence community assessment of G42’s ties to the Communist Party of China, the People’s Liberation Army, or any part of (China’s) organizations,” the letter detailed.
The latest development reflects broader concerns in US political circles about technology transfers to countries with strong ties to China. The lawmakers’ calls are aimed at ensuring such partnerships are thoroughly vetted to safeguard national security interests.
Source: Reuters
