US regulators consider sweeping new AI chip export controls covering Nvidia and AMD

U.S. regulators have allegedly drafted rules that would require approval from the Department of Commerce before AI chips can be shipped outside the United States. Bloomberg reported the development citing sources. The rules would expand government control over exports involving companies such as Nvidia and AMD. A Commerce Department spokesperson said the agency is committed to secure exports of American technology and highlighted advances through Middle East agreements. The spokesperson confirmed ongoing internal government discussions about formalizing the approach. The department stated it will not return to the AI diffusion rule and described that prior measure as burdensome, overreaching, and disastrous. Under the drafted rules, companies and governments outside the United States would need Commerce Department approval to purchase the chips. The review process would vary according to the size and scale of each potential purchase. A sizable order could require involvement from the government of the buyer. The proposal would mean greater government involvement than the AI diffusion rule that the Trump administration rescinded last May. TechCrunch reached out to AMD and Nvidia for comment.