Linda Moore President and CEO at TechNet | Official website
TechNet has called on the U.S. Department of Commerce to reassess existing export controls on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, as established by the previous administration. In a letter addressed to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, TechNet expressed concerns that current restrictions could hinder U.S. innovation and AI deployment while allowing foreign competitors to gain ground in critical digital infrastructure markets.
Linda Moore, President and CEO of TechNet, emphasized the importance of balancing national security with fostering innovation. "AI chips and computing systems are critical not only to national security but also to global economic growth and U.S. leadership in innovation," she stated in the letter. "We support protecting U.S. national security and preventing advanced technologies from falling into adversarial hands. However, smarter, more targeted export controls can achieve these goals without undermining American innovation and AI leadership."
The letter outlined three main priorities for revising export controls: implementing targeted controls with enhanced monitoring mechanisms, adopting a diffusion strategy in collaboration with allies, and investing more in domestic AI innovation.
TechNet highlighted that current rules impose limits on exporting advanced computing chips, which could restrict the global market for American-designed chips. The organization warned that middle-tier nations might seek alternative suppliers due to these constraints, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of the rules intended to prevent technology transfer to countries like China.
Additionally, TechNet advocated for international cooperation in regulating AI exports and securing semiconductor supply chains. The organization stressed the importance of working with allies beyond those currently designated as tier-one countries under existing regulations.
Moore's letter also noted potential challenges related to enforcing new regulations, such as aggregating global sales data from foreign competitors and managing untested licensing requirements.
In conclusion, TechNet urged for a strategic approach that prioritizes targeted restrictions while maintaining strong enforcement and building strategic alliances. This approach aims to ensure the U.S.'s continued leadership in AI and computing innovation while addressing national security concerns.