Today, the AI Policy Network thanked Representatives Mike Lawler and Jasmine Crockett for their work passing the Remote Security Access Act, legislation to close a loophole that allows China to access American advanced AI chips via cloud computing.

“You have taken a crucial step forward to close the loophole that allows Chinese entities to exploit cloud services to access advanced AI chips they cannot otherwise legally import. Malign actors in China are training sophisticated AI models and developing military applications through remote access to American hardware while technically complying with restrictions on physical shipments,” wrote AIPN President of Government Affairs Mark Beall. “The Remote Security Act’s inclusion of remote access under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 addresses this critical vulnerability.”

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Representative Lawler and Representative Crockett,

On behalf of The AI Policy Network, I write to express our gratitude for your support in passing H.R. 2683, the Remote Access Security Act. This much-needed legislation addresses a dangerous gap in America’s export control regime that threatened our national security and technological leadership in the era of advanced artificial intelligence.

Historically, export controls have focused solely on the physical transfer of sensitive technology. However, advanced AI systems and high-performance computing resources can be accessed remotely through cloud computing platforms. This allows foreign adversaries to use controlled U.S. technology without physical possession. Passage of the Remote Access Security Act is an important step to modernize our controls and strengthen our national security.

You have taken a crucial step forward to close the loophole that allows Chinese entities to exploit cloud services to access advanced AI chips they cannot otherwise legally import. Malign actors in China are training sophisticated AI models and developing military applications through remote access to American hardware while technically complying with restrictions on physical shipments. The Remote Security Act’s inclusion of remote access under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 addresses this critical vulnerability.

Additionally, this legislation enables proper end-use verification. Simply put, the Bureau of Industry and Security will have the legal authority they already have to regulate physical chips to regulate remote access. This will strengthen America’s credibility with partners like the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea as we work together to tighten export restrictions. 

I commend you for advancing American leadership by providing an urgently needed model of prudent AI risk management.