**White House Contemplates Extending AI Chip Export Restrictions**

In a move to bolster national security, the Biden administration is considering expanding its restrictions on the export of advanced AI chips manufactured by Nvidia and AMD to additional countries, Bloomberg reported on Monday. The new measures may specifically target certain nations in the Persian Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are currently making significant investments in AI infrastructure.

The U.S. government increasingly sees its domestic production of AI chips as crucial for maintaining a competitive edge globally. Last year, the administration banned the sale of high-performance AI chips from Nvidia and AMD to China and placed additional restrictions on 40 other countries. This was meant to prevent advanced AI technology from being indirectly funnelled to Chinese markets.

The latest discussions suggest that U.S. officials are concerned about the growing influence of the Persian Gulf nations in the AI sector. This year, Saudi Arabia announced its intention to create a $40 billion fund to invest in AI technology. Furthermore, there have been reports of OpenAI engaging in talks with a UAE-backed investment fund for participation in its latest $6.6 billion funding round.

As the U.S. continues to scrutinize global AI investments and the potential implications for national security, the decisions made in the coming weeks could significantly impact international AI development and collaboration.