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The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
China-tied AI tools like DeepSeek face US federal ban over 'threat'
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced a bill in both chambers of Congress to ban the federal use of China-linked artificial intelligence tools such as DeepSeek, writing the latest chapter in the tech rivalry between the world's top AI powers. Titled the 'No Adversarial AI Act', the proposed legislation aims to prohibit federal agencies from procuring or deploying AI technologies developed in China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. The bill was introduced in the House by US congressman John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican who chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, the panel's senior Democrat. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, and Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, introduced the companion legislation in the Senate. 'Artificial intelligence controlled by foreign adversaries poses a direct threat to our national security, our data and our government operations,' Krishnamoorthi said in a statement. 'We cannot allow hostile regimes to embed their code in our most sensitive systems. This bipartisan legislation will create a clear firewall between foreign adversary AI and the US government, protecting our institutions and the American people.' Chinese AI systems, Krishnamoorthi added, 'do not belong on government devices' and 'shouldn't be entrusted with government data'. The act requires the government to maintain a public list of AI models developed by foreign adversaries, updated every 180 days, with limited exemptions for research or critical functions. Federal agencies would also be barred from buying or deploying those tools unless approved by the head of an executive agency, with written notice to both Congress and the Office of Management and Budget. Exemptions may be granted for specific purposes such as academic research, but they would be tightly controlled. The bill, which appears largely to be targeting China's AI giant DeepSeek, came as Washington accused the company of harbouring close ties with the country's Communist Party and carrying out technology theft from America. DeepSeek has allegedly supported China's military and intelligence operations while gaining access to significant quantities of advanced Nvidia chips, Reuters reported earlier this week, citing a senior State Department official. Moolenaar in Wednesday's statement described AI as 'the strategic technology' at the centre of a 'new cold war', referring to the Sino-American tech rivalry. 'The CCP doesn't innovate – it steals, scales and subverts. From IP theft and chip smuggling to embedding AI in surveillance and military platforms, the Chinese Communist Party is racing to weaponise this technology.' 'We must draw a clear line: US government systems cannot be powered by tools built to serve authoritarian interests,' Moolenaar added. 'The select committee is taking action to block CCP-linked AI from infiltrating US government systems,' the House panel posted on social media on Wednesday shortly after the bill's introduction. The act 'would ban AI tools tied to the Chinese Communist Party, like DeepSeek, from federal use, protecting national security from Beijing's digital authoritarianism', it added. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for Beijing's embassy in the US, called Congress' allegations of Chinese technology theft 'nothing but slander and smears'. 'China actively promotes innovation in artificial intelligence, and places high importance on AI safety and ethics,' Liu said in an emailed response to questions. He described the Congress' move as 'the abuse of national security concepts to politicise trade and technology issues', adding that China firmly opposes America's 'malicious suppression and containment' of China's AI industry. With DeepSeek leading the charge, China's AI sector has expanded rapidly despite sweeping US restrictions aimed at curbing its access to advanced technologies. Its cost-efficient model, seen as a rival to ChatGPT, shook US markets earlier this year and triggered a sharp sell-off in tech stocks. Amid growing concerns over data security, several US companies and government agencies have already barred the use of DeepSeek. The Donald Trump administration is weighing a broader federal ban of the platform across government devices. In a hearing of the select committee earlier on Wednesday, Krishnamoorthi warned that 'DeepSeek is sending our data straight into the hands of the CCP', adding that 'as AI continues to get more powerful, the risks only grow greater'. In recent years, several US bills have been introduced to restrict the use of Chinese AI technologies. In February, US congressmen Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, and Darin LaHood, an Illinois Republican, introduced the 'No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act'. It directed federal agencies to remove the app from use in law enforcement and national security matters. The Senate last month introduced its own legislation to block Chinese AI, including the 'Decoupling America's AI Capabilities from China Act'. – South China Morning Post
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
US lawmakers unveil Bipartisan 'No Adversarial AI Act' to block Chinese-Controlled AI from federal systems
Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have put forth the No Adversarial AI Act , a bipartisan measure aimed at safeguarding federal agencies from the dangers associated with artificial intelligence technologies that are under the control of foreign adversaries, specifically the People's Republic of China (PRC), as reported by the Democrats Select Committee on the CCP (DSCCCP). This legislation, co-sponsored by Representatives Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) in the House and introduced by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Gary Peters (D-MI) in the Senate, requires that the Federal Acquisition Security Council create and frequently update a list of AI technologies developed by adversarial entities. DeepSeek serves as an example, having documented connections to the Chinese Communist Party and its intelligence network, and its privacy policy clearly states that user data from the United States is stored in China. In April, Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi and Chairman Moolenaar unveiled the results of their investigation into DeepSeek, which included a recommendation to Congress to "impose a federal procurement ban on AI models originating from the PRC, including a prohibition on their use on government devices," as articulated in the DSCCCP release. The No Adversarial AI Act would prohibit US government agencies from acquiring or utilizing AI products created by firms like DeepSeek unless a specific exception is provided for research, testing, or national security needs, requiring notification to Congress. Live Events This legislation also addresses adversarial AI technologies that may arise in the future, which could represent a similar or even more significant threat to federal systems and data, according to the DSCCCP release. "Artificial intelligence controlled by foreign adversaries represents a direct risk to our national security, data integrity, and government operations," stated Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi. "We must not permit hostile regimes to embed their software in our most vital systems. This bipartisan measure will establish a clear barrier between foreign adversary AI and the U.S. government, safeguarding our institutions and the American populace. Chinese, Russian, and other adversarial AI systems have no place on government devices and certainly should not be entrusted with government data," as quoted in the DSCCCP release. "We are currently in a new Cold War, with AI emerging as the strategic technology at its core," remarked Chairman Moolenaar. "The CCP does not innovate; it steals, scales, and undermines. From intellectual property theft to chip smuggling to the integration of AI into surveillance and military platforms, the Chinese Communist Party is hastening efforts to weaponize this technology. We must draw a definitive line: systems used by the U.S. government cannot be powered by tools designed to serve authoritarian objectives." "The Communist Chinese regime will resort to any tactic to spy, steal, and weaken the United States, and as AI technology progresses, we must enhance our efforts to protect national security and prevent adversarial regimes from exploiting technology against us," expressed Senator Scott. "Given the clear evidence that China can access US user data on AI platforms, it is reckless for our federal agencies to utilise these hazardous systems and expose our government to Beijing's influence. Our No Adversarial AI Act will mitigate this direct threat to our national security and ensure that sensitive data remains secure from enemy hands." "Artificial intelligence holds immense promise for our economy and society, but it also presents real security risks when leveraged by foreign adversaries," said Senator Peters. "This legislation helps safeguard US government systems from AI developed by foreign adversaries that could compromise our national security or put Americans' data at risk. It's a smart, focused step to ensure our government technology infrastructure keeps pace with the evolving threats we face while still allowing room for scientific research, evaluation, and innovation. I'm proud to support this effort to protect Michiganders' personally identifiable information from bad actors who could exploit their data housed on government systems," the DSCCCP release quoted. The bill empowers the federal government to identify, exclude, and remove adversarial AI from its systems while enhancing transparency and oversight of federal AI.
Epoch Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
House CCP Committee Chairman Inquires With Canadian Firm About Supply of Critical Metal
Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) has sent a letter to Canada-based mining company Almonty Industries to inquire about a critical metal essential for U.S. defense technology that the United States relies on China to obtain. Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Two U.S. Lawmakers Demand Federal Investigation Into Chinese EV Charger Giant Autel Energy Over U.S. Data Concerns
Autel Energy, a Chinese electric vehicle charging startup with a growing footprint in the U.S., is facing bipartisan calls for federal investigation as national security concerns over data access and grid vulnerability intensify. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) formally requested in a letter dated May 19 to the Defense and Commerce departments to assess the company's ties to the Chinese military and consider adding it to federal blacklists. The lawmakers allege Autel Energy may pose a significant threat to American consumer data and infrastructure integrity. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — This marks another flashpoint in the ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry, where control over emerging technologies like AI, chips, and clean energy systems has become central to geopolitical strategy, a report from Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs published on May 13 says. Autel Energy is a subsidiary of Autel Intelligent Transportation, which also owns Autel Robotics, a drone manufacturer previously sanctioned by both the Commerce and Defense departments for its alleged military affiliations in China, The Wall Street Journal reports. In their letter, Blackburn and Moolenaar said that Autel Energy's integration into U.S. charging infrastructure could expose private consumer data and sensitive energy grid access to foreign influence. According to The Journal, the call for investigation is part of a broader legislative push to curtail Chinese access to American tech ecosystems. Trending: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Moolenaar, who chairs the House select committee on China, and Blackburn emphasized in the letter the potential for Autel's EV chargers to collect sensitive driver data and connect to critical infrastructure, posing cybersecurity and national security risks. Despite its Chinese parentage, Autel Energy has made strategic moves to embed itself within North American markets. According to The Journal, the company launched production operations at a new facility in North Carolina in 2023 and entered partnerships with charging networks like ChargeSmartEV and Red E Charge in key states such as New York, Massachusetts and Michigan. Red E CEO Abass El-Hage told The Journal that the company sources hardware from a range of manufacturers and maintains strict cybersecurity testing protocols. An Autel Energy spokesperson stated the company has direct investments and partnerships in North America, The Journal says. Lawmakers, however, raised concerns about its ties to Autel Robotics and its Chinese parent firm, citing potential national security risks, according to the to the Belfer Center report, the U.S.-China tech standoff has steadily escalated over the past three years, with both countries implementing export restrictions, blacklists, and sanctions involving advanced chips, rare-earth materials, and AI hardware. Now, lawmakers appear increasingly focused on EV infrastructure as a strategic concern, The Journal reports. As Washington tightens its grip on foreign tech infiltration, Autel Energy may become the next high-profile company to face operational constraints or outright bans. The outcome of this investigation could shape future policy toward international EV players and how America secures its charging networks in a rapidly electrifying economy. Read Next:Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Two U.S. Lawmakers Demand Federal Investigation Into Chinese EV Charger Giant Autel Energy Over U.S. Data Concerns originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
Epoch Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Lawmakers Call on Hotel Giants to Stop Using ‘Taiwan, China' Label
Two Republican lawmakers are urging Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt to drop their use of the phrase 'Taiwan, China' to refer to Taiwan on their websites and promotional materials, questioning whether this wording was influenced or requested by Beijing. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) 'Using terminology such as 'Taiwan, China,' gives false credence to the PRC's position of authority and sovereignty over Taiwan and implies that Taiwan is the property of the PRC,' the lawmakers wrote, using the acronym of China's official name, People's Republic of China. 'Not only does this directly contradict U.S. policy, but it also undermines Taiwan's democratic system.' Moolenaar is the chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Blackburn is a member of the Senate Finance and Senate Judiciary committees. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been known for pressuring organizations and companies to refer to Taiwan with such names as 'Taiwan, China' or 'Chinese Taipei,' as part of its broader efforts to isolate Taiwan in the international community. One such Related Stories 5/22/2025 5/19/2025 Taiwan is a de facto independent nation with its own military, constitution, and democratically elected government. The CCP, which has never ruled Taiwan, considers the self-governing island a 'wayward province' that should be united with the mainland. Moolenaar and Blackburn pointed out that the U.S. government supports Taiwan's participation on the global stage through the Taiwan Relations Act, a legislation signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in April 1979 after Washington changed diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing earlier that year. 'This [U.S.–Taiwan] relationship is of the utmost importance to the economic and national security of the United States, and the government and the private sector alike must take steps to bolster and support Taiwan, one of our most important allies in the region,' they wrote. To show that there is widespread support for Taiwan within the federal government, the lawmakers cited a 'This [2024] letter followed consistent action from President [Donald] Trump and every president—from both parties—since President Carter,' the May 21 letter reads. The lawmakers said the three hotel chains should follow other major U.S. companies that have correctly identified Taiwan. 'We urge Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt to review this practice and ensure that your companies' language on both U.S. and Taiwan-hosted websites properly reflects long-standing U.S. policy,' they said. 'This includes avoiding the use of 'Taiwan, China.'' The lawmakers requested the three hotel chains to answer three questions before June 20, including whether the decision to use the term 'Taiwan, China' was 'influenced by any instructions, guidelines, requests, or suggestions from the PRC government or related entities.' They also asked whether the hotels would make a correction and commit to referring to Taiwan as 'Taiwan.' Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung thanked the lawmakers for voicing support for Taiwan, in a statement to the local government-run Central News Agency on May 22. 'For a long time, the Chinese government has used economic coercion against international companies to force them to comply with its false political claims,' Lin said. 'The [Taiwanese] government continues to pay close attention to and take seriously the foreign companies that mislabel Taiwan's name,' he said, adding that his ministry and the island's overseas missions have actively sought name changes to uphold the island's sovereignty. The Epoch Times contacted Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt for comment and did not receive a response by publication time.
