The United States is changing its approach to trading in AI technologies: a global license instead of bans

The administration of Donald Trump is considering the possibility of revising restrictions on the export of American AI chips introduced under Joe Biden. These measures are due to enter into force in May 2025 and involve the division of importing countries into three groups. U.S. allies and Taiwan are allowed to supply without restrictions, 120 countries are allowed to supply in limited quantities, and China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are completely banned.

The Trump administration is considering the possibility of abolishing such a multi-level system. Instead, the introduction of a global licensing-based regime with additional bilateral agreements between Governments is being discussed. Such changes may simplify the export procedure and affect access to technology for different countries.

Earlier in January, the US Department of Commerce introduced new restrictions on the export of advanced technologies, justifying their protection of national security. These measures are aimed at preventing the use of AI to create weapons, cyber attacks and surveillance in unfriendly countries. At the same time, it is assured that trusted partners will retain access to technology.