Senior Republican Congressman warns of US security risks over Microsoft's UAE AI deal
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Michael McCaul, Republican chairman of the US Foreign Affairs Committee, has warned of national security implications following Microsoft President Brad Smith's announcement that the company's high-profile partnership with UAE-backed AI firm G42 may include the transfer of sophisticated processors and tools. Smith told Reuters that the pact might enter a second phase, which would involve the export of critical AI technology components such as model weights. The deal's progress is contingent on approval by the US Department of Commerce. McCaul expressed concerns about the lack of a complete briefing from the executive branch on the arrangement and questioned whether sufficient safeguards are in place to protect vital US technology from Chinese espionage. The Microsoft-G42 transaction aims to promote AI technology and increase the United States' technology dominance in the face of strategic rivalry from China. Microsoft is investing $1.5 billion in G42, and Smith will join its board. Details on the exact technologies to be transferred and the security precautions are few, but the arrangement aims for Microsoft and G42 to collaborate to promote AI technology in areas where neither could do so effectively alone. The deal requires both businesses to convince their home governments of security procedures, but there is no direct agreement between the United States and the UAE overseeing sensitive technology transfers. Microsoft retains the ability to impose financial penalties on G42 if the agreement is broken.

#Microsoft #Uae #Ai #NationalSecurity #TechnologyTransfer #UsDepartmentOfCommerce #China

https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/senior-republican-congressman-warns-of-us-security-risks-over-microsofts-uae-ai-deal-724515