In a significant step, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee has advanced a bill granting the Biden administration greater authority to restrict the export of artificial intelligence (AI) models. This move comes amid growing concerns about the potential misuse of advanced AI technology by foreign adversaries, specifically China.

The proposed legislation, titled the “Enhancing National Frameworks for Overseas Restriction of Critical Exports (ENFORCE) Act,” would amend the Export Control Act of 2018. This would empower the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to regulate the export of AI models deemed a national security threat. Additionally, the bill would allow the White House to mandate export licenses for such models, further tightening control.

Proponents of the bill, including co-author and House Rep. Michael McCaul, argue that it is crucial to prevent the inadvertent transfer of sensitive AI technology to competitors like China. They believe that such advancements could be exploited to bolster China’s military capabilities and potentially pose a threat to US security.

The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the committee, with a vote of 43 in favor and only 3 against. It now needs approval by the full House of Representatives and the Senate before reaching the President’s desk for potential enactment.

This development underscores the growing awareness of the strategic importance of AI and the need for careful controls to ensure its responsible development and use. The ENFORCE Act represents a significant step in safeguarding US national security interests in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.