Microsoft and OpenAI propose automating U.S. tech export controls

Microsoft and OpenAI, the AI research lab in which Microsoft has invested over $1 billion, today submitted a document to the U.S. government describing how a "digitally transformed" export controls system might work and the benefits it could provide. The organizations suggest that their proposed solutions could bring commercial benefits to users, as well as a more powerful, dynamic, and targeted method for controlling U.S. exports of fundamental technologies. Following a mandate in the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) undertook efforts to identify and control exports of "emerging" or "foundational" technologies ostensibly vital to national security. In comment periods ending in January 2019 and earlier this week, BIS solicited comment from the industry on how to identify and approach control of these technologies. Microsoft and OpenAI take issue with the restrictions promulgated via traditional export control approaches.