Two arrested for smuggling AI chips to China — Nvidia says no to kill switches

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for allegedly smuggling high-performance AI chips worth tens of millions of dollars to China, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The chips were exported without the required licenses, violating U.S. export control laws. This case highlights the ongoing concerns over the illicit transfer of advanced technology, particularly AI chips, to China. The DOJ's investigation and the arrests underscore the government's efforts to enforce export regulations and prevent the unlawful acquisition of sensitive technology. The news also comes as Nvidia, a leading chipmaker, has reportedly refused to add "kill switches" to its chips, which would allow the U.S. government to remotely disable the technology if necessary. This decision by Nvidia underscores the complex and evolving landscape surrounding the export and control of cutting-edge AI and semiconductor technology.