Republican Lawmakers Demand Intelligence Briefing on Microsoft’s AI Investments

Republican lawmakers are pressing the Biden administration for an intelligence briefing regarding Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in G42, an artificial intelligence firm based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This request underscores apprehensions about the potential transfer of U.S.-origin technology to entities with close ties to China.

Congressman Michael McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and John Moolenaar, head of the Select Committee on China, addressed their concerns in a letter to White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. They emphasized the urgency of a briefing before the investment deal moves into its second phase.

“We remain deeply concerned by attempts to move quickly to advance a partnership that involves the unprecedented transfer of highly sensitive, U.S.-origin technology, without congressional consultation or clearly defined regulations in place,” the lawmakers stated in their letter dated July 10.

The U.S. government is contemplating new export controls on various components of AI technology, driven by fears that such technology could fall into the hands of foreign adversaries. Officials highlight that artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize military and espionage capabilities, spurring a global race to develop this disruptive technology rapidly.

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Experts point out that the UAE and China maintain close collaborative ties across numerous scientific research fields, heightening concerns over the implications of the Microsoft-G42 deal.

“Given the ties between (China) and G42, as well as (China’s) continued interests in the UAE, we ask that the National Intelligence Council prepare an official Intelligence Community assessment on the ties between G42…to the Chinese Communist Party, the People’s Liberation Army, or any part of (China’s) apparatus, before this partnership proceeds further,” the letter elaborates.

This latest development signifies a broader apprehension within U.S. political circles regarding technology transfers to nations with strong connections to China. The lawmakers’ request aims to ensure that any such partnership is thoroughly vetted to safeguard national security interests.

Source: Reuters