Microsoft urges Trump to rethink AI chip ban, Warns of boost to China

Tech giant Microsoft has called on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s team to ease recent export restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) chips, arguing that the rules disadvantage key U.S. allies and could ultimately benefit China’s AI ambitions.

In a blog post published Thursday, Microsoft highlighted concerns that the Biden administration’s final wave of restrictions—aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced AI technology—also impact allied nations like India, Switzerland, and Israel. The company warned that these measures hinder the ability of U.S. tech firms to expand AI data centres in these countries, potentially forcing them to turn to Chinese alternatives.