US Lawmakers Demand Probe into UAE Companies Tied to Chinese AI Controversy

US Lawmakers Demand Investigation into UAE Companies Linked to Chinese AI Controversy

US lawmakers are calling for an investigation into UAE companies associated with OpenAI and Microsoft, amidst concerns of their connection to Chinese AI companies. G42, an AI company based in the UAE, has come under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in surveillance and human rights violations, linked to Chinese military, intelligence agencies, and state-owned enterprises.

Suspicious Partnerships and Trade Restrictions

In an open letter to Gina Raimondo, the US Secretary of Commerce, Congressman Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the House China Task Force, expressed concerns about G42’s extensive relationships with Chinese institutions such as Huawei and BGI. He raised worries about G42’s potential facilitation of Chinese information activities, including promoting Huawei and the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), both of which have been blacklisted by the US government due to suspicion of surveillance activities.

Gallagher emphasized the need for trade restrictions on G42, highlighting the potential risks of data misuse, including the data of millions of US citizens, including pregnant women. He also pointed out that if Huawei gains access to advanced hardware and cloud computing services through partners like G42, it could further weaken export controls on Huawei.

DarkMatter’s Connection to Spyware and Surveillance

Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, also serves as a director of Pegasus Technologies, a subsidiary of DarkMatter, which develops spyware and surveillance tools used for illegal surveillance activities. Gallagher highlighted that tools developed by Pegasus and DarkMatter are subject to export controls, and former US employees of DarkMatter have already faced penalties for violating arms export control laws.

Gallagher criticized the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for not imposing sanctions on DarkMatter, G42, and its affiliates. He called for similar measures to prevent export-controlled technology from supporting surveillance and human rights violations by Chinese-affiliated companies.

Concerns Over Chinese Information Activities

The letter also raised additional concerns about personal connections between G42 and individuals involved in Chinese information activities. Song-Chun Zhu, the former director of UCLA’s campus in Los Angeles, was mentioned as someone currently collaborating with DarkMatter. Zhu’s involvement in China’s Communist Party’s “Thousand Talents” program, which aims to acquire research and technology on behalf of the Chinese government, raised further concerns.

G42’s lack of response to requests for comment and its relationships with top US technology companies like Dell, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Cerebras have raised concerns about potential risks. The combination of G42’s extensive capabilities and partnerships could pose risks of illegal activities, putting the US government, academic institutions, and other companies at risk.

US Government’s Continued Crackdown on China Trade

The Biden administration’s efforts to crack down on trade with China, particularly in advanced technology for military and intelligence purposes, continue to impact companies like Nvidia, leading to restrictions on product exports to China.

G42, known for its leadership in AI research, cloud computing, and data centers, has significant investments from Abu Dhabi sovereign fund Mubadala and US private equity firm Silver Lake. Concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with G42’s extensive capabilities, given its relationships with China and partnerships with major US technology companies.

US Lawmakers Call for Investigation and Potential Trade Restrictions

US lawmakers are urging an investigation into G42 and potential trade restrictions, with a focus on preventing the exclusive use of export-controlled technology and protecting against surveillance and human rights violations.

Source: Computerworld