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FCC Investigates Chinese Tech and Telecom Firms for Potential Evasion of US Restrictions

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into nine Chinese companies, including Huawei Technologies, ZTE, Hangzhou Hikvision, China Mobile, China Telecom, and others, to determine whether they are attempting to circumvent U.S. restrictions. These companies are currently listed on the FCC’s “Covered List,” which designates certain communications equipment and services as national security threats.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated that the companies may still be operating in the U.S. due to their belief that the FCC’s restrictions do not prohibit certain types of operations. Other companies under scrutiny include Hytera Communications, Dahua Technology, Pacifica Networks/ComNet, and China Unicom (Americas). This investigation is the latest move in a broader U.S. effort to combat perceived national security risks posed by Chinese telecom and technology firms.

The FCC has already barred these companies from providing telecommunications services in the U.S. due to national security concerns. However, Carr expressed concerns that some of the firms may be continuing business in America through private or “unregulated” channels. The FCC is investigating whether these companies are evading the restrictions and is taking steps to close any potential loopholes.

The agency has sent Letters of Inquiry and at least one subpoena to the companies, seeking detailed information about their ongoing activities in the U.S. and any potential assistance from other companies aiding their operations. Last year, the FCC also took steps to enhance the security of the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) after U.S. agencies accused China Telecom of exploiting BGP vulnerabilities to misroute U.S. internet traffic.

Nvidia Criticizes Biden Administration’s Reported AI Chip Export Restrictions

Nvidia has expressed concern over a reported plan by the Joe Biden administration to impose new restrictions on AI chip exports, with the company urging the outgoing president not to enact a policy that could harm the U.S. economy and benefit adversaries. Nvidia’s Vice President, Ned Finkle, criticized the potential move, arguing that it could set the U.S. back and play into the hands of international competitors.

The Commerce Department and the White House have not responded to Reuters’ inquiries about the policy. According to exclusive reports, the Commerce Department is planning to approve global AI chip exports while preventing bad actors, particularly China, from accessing these advanced technologies. A Bloomberg News report suggests that new export regulations could be announced soon, with limits on the computing power that can be sent to certain countries, including China.

Finkle warned that the policy, though presented as an anti-China measure, would have broader global consequences, including limiting computing systems for other countries and driving the market toward alternative technologies. The Information Technology Industry Council, representing major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, also voiced concerns, claiming that the restrictions would impede U.S. companies’ ability to compete globally.

Nvidia’s criticism comes as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20. Trump previously imposed restrictions on U.S. technology sales to China during his first term, citing national security concerns. Nvidia’s stock saw a decline of more than 1% following the Bloomberg report.

 

Chinese AI Firm Zhipu Opposes U.S. Export Control Entity List Inclusion

Beijing-based artificial intelligence firm Zhipu Huazhang Technology expressed strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to include it and its subsidiaries on the export control entity list. The company issued a statement on its official WeChat account, claiming that the decision lacked factual foundation.

Zhipu, which is involved in the development of advanced AI technologies, responded firmly to the move, which restricts the company’s access to U.S. exports, preventing them from receiving goods or technology without a special license that is typically denied. This addition to the entity list comes amid growing concerns from the U.S. over the potential use of AI for military applications and national security risks associated with China’s technological advancements.

The company emphasized that its inclusion on the list would not significantly impact its operations, asserting that it has mastered the core technology for large language models.