July 12, 2024 at 04:24PM
House committee chairs are urging the White House to investigate the deal between G42 and Microsoft, expressing concerns about the risk of advanced AI technology reaching China. They highlight potential national security implications and call for safeguards to protect US-origin goods and technology. Both Microsoft and G42 have defended their partnership, but concerns persist.
The meeting notes summarize a letter sent to the White House by two House committee chairs, Reps Michael McCaul and John Moolenaar, expressing concerns about a deal between G42 and Microsoft. The letter highlights the risk of advanced American AI technology potentially making its way to China via G42 and raises national security concerns regarding the partnership. The House reps request an investigation into the safeguards that will be in place to protect US-origin goods and technology, as well as other areas of ongoing national security concern. Both Microsoft and G42 have made efforts to assure American authorities that the partnership is legitimate and that measures have been taken to address security concerns. The Biden administration has not been explicitly asked to intervene in the deal, but rather an investigation into the safeguards has been requested. Microsoft has expressed that it is working closely with the National Security Council and the Department of Commerce, with US national security being a principal priority. G42 has also been asked for comment.