The U.S. government is considering ways to add location-tracking technology to AI chips. This move aims to better monitor the movement of sensitive chips, such as those made by Nvidia, especially to prevent unauthorized shipments to China.
Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said the idea of embedding software or physical features on chips to track their location is part of the U.S. AI action plan unveiled last month.
Kratsios emphasized the importance of working with industry partners to curb smuggling and maintain U.S. leadership in AI technology. He also encouraged countries in the Asia-Pacific region to adopt American AI technologies, supported by federal funding.
The plan has caused tension with China, which opposes U.S. export restrictions on its tech firms like Huawei and AI developers. Recently, China summoned Nvidia representatives to discuss U.S. security concerns related to their H20 chips.
Nvidia denied having any “backdoors” in its chips and declined further comment on the location-tracking issue.
Kratsios also criticized China’s approach to AI regulation, saying the U.S. model, which prioritizes innovation, will be more attractive globally.
