Google and Microsoft Provide Chinese Companies Access to Nvidia’s AI Chips

Google and Microsoft’s cloud divisions are offering Chinese companies access to Nvidia’s AI chips, according to a report. The tech giants are providing data center services in locations outside China, as reported by The Information.

This move comes in response to the Joe Biden administration’s restrictions on Chinese firms using US technology for Artificial Intelligence (AI), including measures to stop the supply of advanced semiconductors due to rising security concerns.

US Measures and Compliance:

Earlier this year, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo mentioned that the Biden administration proposed requiring cloud companies to determine whether foreign entities are accessing data centers in the United States to train AI models.

This measure is part of broader efforts to prevent sensitive technology from being used in ways that could compromise US security.

Microsoft’s Server Rental Services:

The report highlights that Microsoft is offering server rental services, including those equipped with Nvidia’s A100 and H100 chips, to Chinese customers through data centers located outside China.

This information was provided by a Microsoft employee familiar with the matter and a person directly involved in the sales.

Google’s Compliance with Export Controls:

Similarly, the report claims that Google allows customers in China to use servers based outside of mainland China.

The company, led by Sundar Pichai, is confident that its offerings comply with US export controls, ensuring that they meet all necessary regulations while providing advanced AI capabilities to Chinese firms.